*Mohammed Idris, Minister for Information and National Orientation, launches FreeTV, a digital television platform offering over 100 free channels, to expand Nigerian consumers’ access to digital broadcasting, and accelerate transition from analogue television across the West African country
Emmanuel Akosile | ConsumerConnect
As part of practical measures to advance implementation of the newly-inaugurated Digital Switch Over (DSO) platform, the Nigerian Government Wednesday, June 17, 2026, launched FreeTV, a digital television platform offering over 100 free channels.
ConsumerConnect reports the government noted the overarching objective of the offers is to expand Nigerian consumers’ access to digital broadcasting, and accelerate transition from analogue television in the West African country.
The government said the initiative aimed to accelerate the country’s Digital Switch-Over, and improve television accessibility for all.
Speaking at the ceremony, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, Honourable Minister for Information and National Orientation, officially launched the platform at the headquarters of the Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT), in Abuja, FCT.
Idris assured Nigerians the FreeTV bouquet would provide a wide range of programming.
These, he stated, include news, sports, movies, music, children’s content, educational programmes, as well as dedicated Yoruba, Hausa and Igbo language channels.
The government also explained the service would be available through satellite and terrestrial transmission networks, alongside the FreeTV mobile application, enabling viewers in both urban and rural communities to access digital television services.
Core features of FreeTV digital platform
The government’s Free TV offers zero monthly fees, and viewers can access over 100 state, regional, and national channels without recurring subscription costs.
In regard to content diversity, programming encompasses news, sports, movies, music, and children’s education, including dedicated language channels (Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba).
Besides, there are multiple delivery modes.
The digital service is available through Digital Terrestrial Transmission (DTT), satellite transmission, and a dedicated mobile application.
As regards equipment requirements to enjoy the free viewing experience for free, the Federal Government explained the existing TV sets work with the platform using standard DVB-T2 or DVB-S2 decoders (Set-Top Boxes).
On integrated sets, it is noted that there is no additional hardware required, if a consumer’s television or mobile device is already equipped with built-in free-to-air digital receivers.
The government stated that Nigerians would not need to purchase new television sets to use the platform, provided they have compatible DVB-T2 or DVB-S2 decoders. Households already using compatible free-to-air decoders may not require any additional equipment.
Minister: DSO project is major investment in Nigeria’s future
Minister for Information and National Orientation Idris, in his address at the launch of the services Wednesday, as well described a fully operational DSO ecosystem as a major investment in Nigeria’s future, with significant benefits for employment, local content development, the creative industry and the wider economy.
He said: “A fully implemented DSO ecosystem will create jobs, stimulate local manufacturing, expand audience reach, strengthen content production, increase advertising opportunities, and unlock new revenue streams for broadcasters and content creators.”
According to him, the project launch represents a significant milestone in Nigeria’s broadcasting history, demonstrating the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to digital transformation, economic growth, innovation and the development of critical national infrastructure.
“The Digital Switch Over project is not simply a technological transition, it is a critical step towards modernising the country’s broadcasting industry,” stated the Minister.
Idris directly attributed the attainment of the DSO project to the support and leadership of President Tinubu.
He emphasised the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Tinubu-led administration places strong emphasis on digital transformation and infrastructure development.
He averred: “This launch is not merely a broadcasting milestone; it is part of a broader national effort by the Federal Government to build a more connected, more competitive, and more prosperous Nigeria.”
Idris also disclosed that the Federal Government undertook extensive consultations with stakeholders across the broadcasting value chain Tuesday, June 16 ahead of the launch.
He noted these to include broadcasters, signal distributors, set-top box manufacturers, content producers, NIGCOMSAT, DigiTeam, the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON), the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) and other industry players.
He used the occasion to commend NigComSat, NBC, BON, ARCON, DigiTeam, broadcasters, manufacturers, and other stakeholders for their contributions to the project, describing the launch of FreeTV and the DSO platform as the beginning of a new era for broadcasting in Nigeria.
The Minister, therefore, said the stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to the successful implementation of the programme despite differing opinions on certain aspects of execution.
He stated: “One important message emerged clearly from that engagement: all stakeholders remain united in their commitment to the successful implementation of the Digital Switch Over programme in Nigeria.”
“Digital Terrestrial Television remains an integral component of Nigeria’s digital broadcasting framework. What we are pursuing is a hybrid broadcasting model that combines DTT, Direct-to-Home satellite delivery, and digital application-based platforms.”
Idris equally reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to promoting indigenous technology, supporting local manufacturers and ensuring that Nigerian creativity remains central to the broadcasting ecosystem.
The Minister said: “The DSO must create opportunities for Nigerian businesses, Nigerian innovators, and Nigerian workers.”
Charles Ebuebu, Director-General of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), also said the platform would widen access to digital content while creating new opportunities for professionals in the media and creative sectors of the economy.
Ebuebu stated: “FreeTV speaks directly to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision of Renewed Hope towards expanding access, creating opportunity and ensuring that every Nigerian, regardless of location or income, can benefit from the digital economy.
“With FreeTV, families across Nigeria can enjoy quality digital television without a monthly subscription, while our local content producers, technicians and young creatives gain new platforms and new jobs.”
The NBC said the platform would further support Nigeria’s creative economy through regional production studios located in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Enugu, Kano and Benin.
According to the Director-General of NBC, the studios are expected to create employment opportunities for content creators, editors, camera operators, sound engineers, technicians and other professionals across the broadcast value chain.
The Commission disclosed Nigeria’s final analogue switch-off has been scheduled for December 31, 2028.
He urged Nigerians to verify decoder compatibility, and download the FreeTV mobile application ahead of the nationwide rollout.