FG Launches Free TV Expansion Plan to Reach 40 Million Nigerian Homes With 100 Channels

The Federal Government has announced that its renewed Digital Switch Over (DSO) project is aimed at providing free television services to at least 40 million households across Nigeria, with up to 100 free-to-air channels expected to be available nationwide.

The Director-General of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), Charles Ebuebu, revealed this during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja.

Ebuebu explained that the new DSO strategy has moved away from the previous terrestrial transmission system, which faced challenges with limited coverage, and adopted a satellite-based platform to ensure wider access.

He said the satellite system would allow millions of Nigerians to enjoy free television services regardless of their location, adding that the project is designed to deliver broader coverage and improved access to local content.

“We are targeting 40 million TV households at a minimum,” Ebuebu said, noting that the platform is expected to provide up to 100 channels across the country.

According to him, the earlier terrestrial-based DSO programme launched in eight states offered between 24 and 28 channels depending on location but struggled to achieve nationwide coverage due to infrastructure challenges.

He said expanding terrestrial broadcasting nationwide would have required about 160 transmission towers, expensive imported equipment, and several years to complete, leading the government to adopt satellite technology instead.

Ebuebu disclosed that the renewed project is already transmitting more than 73 channels nationwide and is expected to reach the 100-channel target in the coming months.

He added that while the NBC remains responsible for regulating broadcasting activities, the Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT) provides the satellite and ground infrastructure needed for the DSO platform.

The NBC chief described the renewed initiative as a major improvement, offering clearer picture quality, more channels, and increased access to Nigerian television content.

He said the project would also promote national unity by allowing viewers across the country to access television channels from different regions.

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