The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) is joining forces with the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) to ensure a seamless Digital Switch-Over (DSO) process that promises to bring significant dividends to Nigeria.
During a joint press conference held in Abuja, the Director General of NBC, Charles Ebuebu, highlighted the strategic importance of this collaboration. He emphasized that the partnership is crucial to the success of the DSO project, which aims to drive technological advancement, economic growth, and cultural enrichment across the country.
Mr. Ebuebu revealed that the President has approved a grant to support the DSO project, demonstrating a commitment to a future where all Nigerians, regardless of location, have access to superior broadband services and are fully included in the digital economy.
He also noted that the Digital Switch-Over project would serve as a catalyst for the transformation of Nigeria’s media landscape, creating jobs, stimulating economic growth, and expanding the industry.
To ensure the public is well-informed, the NBC plans to launch an awareness campaign, educating citizens about the benefits and regulations associated with the DSO.
Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, underlined the importance of the communications sector in this project. He emphasized that as content consumption evolves, particularly with the rise of on-demand services, real-time interaction and quality data connections will be essential.
As part of the DSO project, NBC announced plans to establish content production studios across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones in partnership with the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA). Additionally, the development of a FreeTV mobile app will allow users to watch FreeTV on handheld devices and access video-on-demand services.
The collaboration between NBC and NCC aims to lay the foundation for a digitally inclusive Nigeria, ensuring that the DSO project not only meets global standards but also delivers substantial benefits to the nation.