Nigeria Launches FreeTV Platform, Bringing Free Digital Television to Homes Nationwide
Today, Nigeria launched FreeTV, a national free-to-air digital television platform that will give households across the country access to digital television, more channels, clearer pictures, and Nigerian content without monthly subscription fees. The launch, announced by the State House, marks a significant milestone in the country’s Digital Switch-Over (DSO) programme and its transition from analogue to digital broadcasting, and is framed by the presidency as part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises inclusion, access to opportunity, job creation, local enterprise, and the use of technology to improve everyday life for Nigerians.
The platform offers access to over 100 national, regional and state channels spanning news, sports, movies, music, children’s programming, educational content, and dedicated Yoruba, Hausa and Igbo language channels. FreeTV is accessible through satellite transmission, terrestrial networks, and a dedicated mobile application, a multi-delivery approach aimed at reaching communities not covered under earlier DSO pilot phases, including major cities, towns and rural communities.
Existing televisions remain compatible with FreeTV via DVB-T2 or DVB-S2 decoders, and those already equipped with compatible free-to-air decoders require no additional equipment purchases.
Speaking ahead of the launch, the National Broadcasting Commission DG Charles Ebuebu said the platform “speaks directly to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision of Renewed Hope towards expanding access, creating opportunity and ensuring that every Nigerian, regardless of location or income, can benefit from the digital economy. With FreeTV, families across Nigeria can enjoy quality digital television without a monthly subscription, while our local content producers, technicians and young creatives gain new platforms and new jobs.”
Beyond access, FreeTV is designed to stimulate Nigeria’s creative and broadcast economy. Regional production studios in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Enugu, Kano and Benin are expected to create new opportunities for content producers, technicians, editors, camera operators, sound engineers and young creatives.
The final analogue switch-off remains scheduled for 31 December 2028. Nigerians are encouraged to begin preparing by checking their decoder compatibility and downloading the FreeTV app. Citizens can access official information at www.freetv.ng, or call +2347003887277.