Tinubu approves N10b for NBC’s digital switchover
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved N10 billion grant to the National Broadcasting Commission to actualize the country’s Digital Switch-Over (DSO) process.
The Director-General of NBC, Charles Ebuebu disclosed this yesterday in Abuja and promised that the fund will be judiciously utilised to actualize the DSO.
The country had failed on three occasions to meet set date for actualisation of switching from Analogue to digital broadcasting.
The last administrations had set 2022 date for nationwide wide roll out but failed.
The country had missed two previous dates 2012 and 2020.
Briefing journalists on latest development Ebuebu said a new date will soon be announced for the nationwide rollout
He spoke at a joint briefing with Dr. Aminu Maida, the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC).
The NBC DG said:“ As you are all aware, the process to the switching over from Analogue to the Digital Terrestrial Television platform began, fully, in Nigeria, in 2016, with the digital switched on of Jos, Plateau State. However, the process has stalled due to enormous challenges.
“In view of this, His Excellency, President Bola Tinubu has graciously approved a grant of N10 billion from spectrum sales by the Federal Government to the National Broadcasting Commission.
So the sum given to us by the President for the first phase is N10billion and that is what we are running with to kick-start this process.”
He therefore stressed that the fund is to “accelerate this process,” adding that the Commission is in collaboration with the NCC.
This grant is not just a financial allocation; it is a testament to Mr. President’s collective commitment to driving technological advancement, economic growth, and cultural enrichment through the DSO project
This intervention is a testament to the visionary leadership of the President. It is a commitment to achieving a future where every Nigerian, regardless of their location, has access to superior broadband services and is included in the digital economy.”
He further explained: “What we presently have is the DTT, the Terrestrial Broadcast where you have broadcast stations around the country. We have launched in eight states already, and they are up and running, even with some challenges. But now, we are going to have satellite coverage that covers the entire nation all at once.
So no matter where you are in Nigeria, you will be able to receive the channels and the content that will be put on that platform.