Nigeria to Launch Digital Switchover June 17, 2026

Nigeria's federal government announced Wednesday that it will launch the long-delayed nationwide Digital Switchover platform on June 17, 2026, providing over 100 free television channels to households across the country and beyond. The announcement came from Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris during a tour of the Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited headquarters in Abuja.

The platform marks the completion of the transition from analogue to digital broadcasting, a process first initiated in 2016 but stalled after pilots in eight states. Unlike earlier efforts that required costly encrypted set-top boxes, the new system offers free access, with the government covering part of the expenses to ensure accessibility. Idris highlighted real-time audience measurement technology that will track viewing patterns, demographics, and preferences. "This will help advertisers to take informed decisions about what programme it is that people are watching," he said.

The initiative leverages satellite technology for nationwide coverage, extending services to all regions and sub-Saharan Africa. It launches with about 100 standard-definition channels, with plans...