JUST IN: Nigerian govt finally launches free TV platform for low income earners

The Nigerian Government has officially launched a free TV platform for low income earners in the country, describing it as a major investment in the country’s future.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris said the launch marks a major milestone in Nigeria’s broadcasting history and reflects the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to digital transformation, economic growth, innovation, and the development of critical national infrastructure.

“The Digital Switch Over (DSO) project is not simply a technological transition, it is a critical step towards modernising the country’s broadcasting industry”, the Minister said.

Idris described the launch as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s broadcasting history and credited the achievement to the support and leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

He disclosed that, a day before the DSO launch, extensive consultations were held with stakeholders across the broadcasting value chain, including broadcasters, signal distributors, set-top box manufacturers, content producers, NIGCOMSAT, DigiTeam, Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON), Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON), and other industry players.

According to him, stakeholders reaffirmed their collective commitment to the successful implementation of the programme despite differing views on some aspects of execution.

He further reaffirmed the government’s commitment to promoting indigenous technology, supporting Nigerian manufacturers, and ensuring that local creativity remains at the centre of the broadcasting ecosystem. “The DSO must create opportunities for Nigerian businesses, Nigerian innovators, and Nigerian workers,” the Minister said.

The Minister thereafter formally launched the Digital Switch Over Platform on behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.