By Faith Anisiobi, The Sight News
Key stakeholders in Nigeria’s broadcasting industry have reaffirmed their commitment to the successful implementation of the Digital Switch Over (DSO) programme, describing digital migration as essential to the future growth and sustainability of the nation’s broadcasting sector.
The resolution was reached at a high-level stakeholders’ meeting on the DSO rollout convened by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation at NICON Luxury Hotel, Abuja.
The meeting, chaired by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, brought together regulators, broadcasters, signal distributors, set-top box manufacturers, content producers, satellite operators, and industry associations to deliberate on the future of digital broadcasting in Nigeria.
Among those in attendance were the Director-General of NBC, Charles Ebuebu; Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. BRM Ukire; Director-General of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Abdulhameed Dambos; Director-General of the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON), Dr. Olalekan Fadolapo; Chairman of the Broadcasting Organizations of Nigeria (BON), Chief Tony Akiotu; and Managing Director of NIGCOMSAT Ltd, Mrs. Jane Nkechi Egerton-Idehen.
Speaking during the engagement, the Minister emphasized that the government remained committed to an inclusive and transparent implementation process, assuring stakeholders that all decisions concerning the DSO project would be guided by national interest, industry sustainability, and broad stakeholder participation.
He acknowledged concerns raised over consultation and stakeholder involvement but stressed that it was not too late to build consensus and collectively drive the digital migration process to completion.
During deliberations, stakeholders agreed that the DSO project remains necessary and beneficial for Nigeria, with the potential to create jobs, attract investment, expand opportunities for broadcasters and content creators, and promote local content development and manufacturing.
The meeting also resolved that Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) should remain a core component of the DSO framework and should not be discontinued. Stakeholders further endorsed a hybrid digital broadcasting model combining DTT, Direct-to-Home (DTH) satellite services, and digital application-based delivery platforms.
As part of efforts to strengthen implementation, participants agreed that the DSO Digital Implementation Team (DigiTeam) should be reconstituted to provide strategic guidance and enhance stakeholder participation.
The NBC also pledged to protect investments already made by licensed set-top box manufacturers and other players within the DSO ecosystem while strengthening consultation mechanisms to ensure transparency and inclusiveness.
Stakeholders welcomed ongoing collaboration between NBC and ARCON to develop a sustainable business model aimed at improving audience measurement systems, increasing advertising revenues, and enhancing the long-term viability of broadcasters.
Addressing concerns about service reliability, NIGCOMSAT assured participants that measures had been put in place to guarantee uninterrupted satellite services for the DSO platform, including backup arrangements with alternative satellite operators to prevent service disruptions.
To sustain engagement, stakeholders agreed to hold quarterly meetings to review progress and ensure alignment on implementation strategies.
As part of the next steps, the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation will reconstitute the DigiTeam platform, while NBC will continue consultations with manufacturers and industry operators to address concerns relating to investments, technical standards, carriage agreements, and implementation frameworks.
Additional public awareness campaigns and stakeholder sensitization programmes are also planned to improve understanding of the DSO strategy and its benefits to consumers and industry operators alike.
The meeting concluded with a collective commitment by stakeholders to work closely with government agencies to ensure that the Digital Switch Over programme delivers improved broadcasting services, wider audience reach, enhanced revenue opportunities, and greater value for Nigerians.
