By:
Nana Appiah Acquaye
Nigeria
has officially launched its Digital Switch Over (DSO), marking a major
milestone in the country’s transition from analogue to digital broadcasting as
part of its broader digital transformation agenda.
The
initiative was announced by the Minister of Communications, Innovation and
Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, who described the rollout as the realisation
of a long-standing national objective to modernise broadcasting infrastructure
and improve access to information services across the country.
According
to the Minister, the DSO represents a significant advancement in Nigeria’s
broadcasting sector, extending benefits beyond television to include improved
access to educational, cultural, and public information content. The system is
also expected to enhance service quality and promote greater inclusion,
particularly for communities in underserved and remote areas.
The
transition leverages NigComSat satellite infrastructure, which plays a key role
in ensuring nationwide coverage and improving the distribution of digital
broadcasting services.
Dr.
Tijani noted that the Digital Switch Over is part of a wider national digital
infrastructure strategy aimed at strengthening connectivity and expanding
access to digital services. He highlighted ongoing plans under Project BRIDGE,
which will deploy 90,000 kilometres of open-access fibre infrastructure to
connect communities, institutions, businesses, and public services across the
country.
He
further disclosed that the federal government has approved investments in two
additional satellites to enhance Nigeria’s communications capacity and support
the expansion of digital services nationwide.
According
to the Minister, these investments are expected to form a robust digital
backbone that will support economic growth, innovation, and inclusion across
all regions of the country.
He
added that the expansion of digital infrastructure will create new
opportunities for broadcasters, content creators, entrepreneurs, and
innovators, enabling them to reach wider audiences across West Africa and
beyond.
The
government maintains that the Digital Switch Over and related infrastructure
projects are central to its long-term vision of building a more connected,
inclusive, and digitally driven economy.
