Nigeria Commends Stakeholders DSO Breakthrough, Set fir Next Phase of Implementation
By Sarah Kitka
The Federal Government has hailed what it described as a major breakthrough in Nigeria’s digital broadcasting reform as stakeholders in the media and communications industry reached broad consensus on the rollout of the Digital Switch Over (DSO) programme.
The Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, gave the commendation in Abuja following a high-level stakeholder engagement involving regulators, broadcasters, signal distributors, content creators, manufacturers, and satellite operators.
The meeting, convened to address outstanding issues surrounding the implementation of the DSO programme, ended with wide agreement on key pillars of the transition, including the adoption of a hybrid broadcasting model, the continued relevance of Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT), stronger investment protection mechanisms, and sustained stakeholder engagement.
The Minister described the consensus as a clear indication of industry readiness and a shared commitment to repositioning Nigeria’s broadcasting sector for digital competitiveness and economic growth.
He noted that stakeholders were united in the view that the DSO is not merely a technical migration but a transformational initiative capable of creating jobs, boosting local content production, attracting investment, and strengthening Nigeria’s creative economy.
According to him, the Federal Government deeply appreciates the collaborative spirit demonstrated by all parties, stressing that the outcome reflects a mature understanding of national priorities above sectoral interests.
“The level of agreement we have achieved shows that stakeholders are aligned on the future of Nigeria’s broadcasting industry. This is a strong foundation for accelerated implementation,” the Minister said.
He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to providing a stable regulatory environment, safeguarding investments, and ensuring an inclusive implementation process that leaves no stakeholder behind.
The communiqué issued at the end of the meeting confirmed consensus on the need for periodic stakeholder consultations, improved business models for the broadcasting sector, and enhanced local manufacturing and content development.
It also recommended the institutionalisation of quarterly engagements to ensure continuous alignment and effective monitoring of the DSO rollout process.
The Federal Government reiterated its commitment to working closely with industry stakeholders to ensure the successful delivery of the DSO programme and the realisation of its full economic and social benefits for Nigerians.
The meeting concluded with a collective resolve to fast-track the digital transition in a manner that promotes sustainability, innovation, and shared industry growth.
Present at the meeting were the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, Dr. Binyerem C. Ukaire; the Director-General of Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NigComSat), Mrs. Jane Egerton-Idehen; the Director-General of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), Mr. Charles Ebuebu; the Director-General of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Mr. Salihu Abdullahi Dembos; the Director-General of the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON), Dr. Olalekan Olumuyiwa Fadolapo; the Chairman of the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON), Senior High Chief Tony Akiotu; and the Chairman of Channels Television, Mr. John Momoh, alongside other distinguished stakeholders and industry leaders from the broadcasting, media, technology, and communications sectors.
