The Federal Government has described the Digital Switchover project as a strategic investment in national digital infrastructure designed to expand access to information, education and economic opportunities for Nigerians.

Dr Bosun Tijani, minister of communications, innovation and digital economy, made this known during the National Launch of the Digital Switchover project under the Big Picture Initiative in Abuja. The project, managed by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), represents Nigeria’s nationwide transition from analogue to digital terrestrial television broadcasting, aimed at improving broadcast quality, boosting the digital economy and freeing up spectrum for broadband expansion.

Tijani said the significance of the launch extended well beyond a broadcasting milestone, stressing what it meant for the everyday lives of Nigerians. “It means greater access to information, educational and cultural content, an improved quality of service and the ability to ensure that no Nigerian is left behind simply because of where they live,” he said.

He described the project as evidence of President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to investing in critical infrastructure that would support the administration’s vision of building a one trillion dollar economy. “History has shown that nations become prosperous when leaders have the courage to invest in the foundations that will hold the growth for decades to come,” the minister said.

He disclosed that Nigeria is deploying 90,000 kilometres of fibre optic open access infrastructure nationwide, alongside presidential approval for investment in two new satellites to strengthen the country’s communication and digital services. “When we combine the 90,000 kilometres of fibre with the new satellites, Nigeria will create something truly transformative. We will have productivity comparable to anywhere in the world and provide services beyond our geography,” he said.

According to Tijani, Nigeria remains the only country in West Africa with a communications satellite, and the planned fibre network will extend to all national borders, allowing neighbouring countries to benefit from Nigeria’s broadcasting and digital services. “The digital switchover is not the destination. It is one of the first visible benefits of a much larger national digital infrastructure strategy,” he said.

In her welcome address, Jane Egerton-Idehen, Managing Director of Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited,  described the switchover as a nation-building initiative rather than simply a broadcasting upgrade.

“It is beyond the broadcast we will deliver to more than 40 million homes. It is beyond the jobs we will create for the advertisement sector. It is about creating a more informed, connected, inclusive and empowered society,” she said. She added that NIGCOMSAT’s mission was to ensure that geography does not determine opportunity, noting that satellite infrastructure would help bridge connectivity gaps in remote communities. “Today, we are witnessing a switch to innovation, inclusion, economic opportunities and digital empowerment,” she said.

Also speaking at the event, Tony Akiotu, chairman of the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON),  described the launch as a significant milestone after more than 15 years on the Digital Switchover journey. “We have been worried that it has taken us so long to get here. Many African countries have transited. A lot of people have invested billions of naira,” he said. Akiotu noted that digital broadcasting would help Nigeria harness its creativity and talent in music, film and entertainment, with the potential to create jobs across the value chain. “This process should continue, and we will ensure that we have a successful switchover that will be a win-win for all of us in the industry,” he said.