On Thursday the 22nd of August, 2024. A speech was made by Mr. Charles Ebuebu. Mr. Charles Ebuebe is the director General of the National Broadcasting Commission.
His speech was delivered at Stratton Hotel, Asokoro, Abuja in a joint press conference with the executive vice chairman of the Nigerian communications, Dr. Aminu Maida.
The speech aimed at announcing a significant milestone in the nation’s broadcasting landscape as the transformative journey to achieving Digital Switch-Over (DSO) dividends for Nigeria under the visionary leadership of Mr. President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
In his words,
“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.”
However, he mentioned that, His Excellency, President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has graciously approved a grant from spectrum sales by the Federal Government to the National Broadcasting Commission.
He stated that, the grant is not just a financial allocation but a testament to Mr. President’s collective commitment to driving technological advancement, economic growth, and cultural enrichment through the DSO project.
He said, “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 also stated that, to accelerate this process, the Commission is in collaboration with the Nigeria Communications Commission and that the collaboration signifies a strategic alliance and a unified effort to bring about a seamless transition to digital broadcasting and underscoring the NCC’s determination to support this monumental project and ensure its success.
Charles Ebuebu, the director General of the National Broadcasting Commission highlighted how the funds alloted to this project will be expended to ensure that each component of the DSO Eco-system contributes significantly to the realization of impactful digital dividends for Nigeria.
These key areas include;
1.TV Channels: Developing and managing channels that cater to diverse interests, including educational, childrincluding educational, children’s programming, comedy, shopping, sports, gaming, betting, and local language channels. This ensures a rich and diverse content ecosystem that resonates with our viewers.
2.Satellite Capacity: Leasing transponders and establishing a robust satellite backbone to ensure 100% signal coverage across Nigeria. This will expedite the Analog Switch Off and enhance accessibility to FreeTV services nationwide.
3.Audience Measurement: Implementing advanced audience measurement tools to provide broadcasters and the industry with detailed insights into viewership patterns, preferences, and demographics.
4.Marketing & Publicity: Creating awareness and ensuring a seamless transition through nationwide campaigns that educate the public about the benefits and implications of the Digital Switch Over.
5.Content Production Studios: Establishing world-class studios across geopolitical zones in partnership with the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), providing local content producers with an inclusive environment to thrive.
6.Digital Set-Top Boxes: acquisition and distributing hybrid Android/DTH set-top boxes with data connectivity functionalities, positioning them as gateways to a rich and diverse content ecosystem.
7.FreeTV APP: Developing a user-friendly mobile application that allows viewers to watch FreeTV channels on handheld devices and access video-on-demand services.
.National Call Centre: upgrading the call center, equipped with the latest technology to efficiently handle customer queries and ensure the highest standards of service delivery.
9.Training & Workshops: Conducting comprehensive training sessions and workshops for stakeholders, emphasizing the benefits of the DSO project and fostering collective progress during the digital transition.
He also identified that, adopting the digital broadcasting standards will align Nigeria with global norms, enhancing the competitiveness and attraction of foreign investments. Digital broadcasting will bridge the digital divide, ensuring access to vital information, education, and entertainment for remote and underserved communities.
The DSO explained that the project is a catalyst for Nigeria’s media and socio-economic transformation because it will stimulate significant job creation, drive economic growth, and expand the industry.
Also, DSO stated that the precise and comprehensive audience measurement will enhance marketing efforts and content , foster support for creative industries and local content will foster cultural preservation and promote Nigerian talent on a global stage.
He opined, as we stand at this pivotal moment in Nigeria’s broadcasting evolution, it is clear that the Digital Switchover (DSO) represents more than just a technological shift—it is a transformative journey for our media industry and our nation as a whole. Our commitment to this project reflects our dedication to a more inclusive, technologically advanced, and globally competitive media landscape.
He admonished them to remember that this transition is a collective endeavor, fueled by the visionary insights and unwavering support from the President and it is the duty
of Nigerians to see this vision through, ensuring that the dividends of the DSO reach every corner of the industry and society.
He concluded by saying that, ” Together, we will build a brighter future, where every Nigerian benefit from superior broadcast quality, enhanced educational content, and expanded opportunities for creativity and innovation
