The Federal Government has launched FreeTV, a new digital television platform that gives Nigerians access to more than 100 TV channels without paying monthly subscription fees.
The government unveiled FreeTV on Tuesday, June 17, as part of Nigeria’s Digital Switch-Over (DSO) programme.
The initiative aims to move the country fully from analogue to digital broadcasting.
FreeTV offers a wide range of content, including news, sports, movies, music, educational programmes, children’s shows and indigenous language channels. Users can access the service at no cost.
Households can connect to the platform using compatible free-to-air decoders. This removes the need to buy new television sets.
Officials said existing TVs can access the service through DVB-T2 or DVB-S2 decoders. Many homes already using free-to-air decoders may connect immediately.
FreeTV will operate through satellite and terrestrial broadcasting networks.
Users can also stream content through the FreeTV mobile application on their smartphones.
The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) said the platform will promote digital inclusion.
The commission noted that Nigerians across different income levels and locations can benefit from the service.
In response to growing demand for local content, the government said the platform will create more opportunities for content creators and broadcast professionals.
Regional production centres have opened in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Enugu, Kano and Benin.
The centres will support content development and create jobs across the media industry.
The hubs are expected to provide opportunities for producers, editors, camera operators, sound engineers, technicians and other media workers.
The launch marks another milestone in Nigeria’s long-running Digital Switch-Over project.
The programme aims to improve picture and sound quality, increase channel capacity and expand local content production.
With production hubs spread across six major cities, FreeTV is expected to generate thousands of jobs in Nigeria’s media and creative sectors.
Authorities said the final analogue television switch-off remains scheduled for December 31, 2028.
The government urged Nigerians to check whether their decoders are compatible with the platform and take advantage of the service.
“You do not need to purchase a new television set to enjoy the service if you already have a compatible decoder,” officials said during the launch.
External Links
Federal Government Digital Switch-Over Programme: https://www.nbc.gov.ng
National Broadcasting Commission (NBC): https://www.nbc.gov.ng
Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation: https://fmino.gov.ng
