Nigeria sets December 2028 for final analogue TV switch-off

Nigeria has set a firm deadline of December 2028 for the complete transition from analogue to digital television broadcasting, according to Mr. Charles Ebuebu, Director-General of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC).

Ebuebu stated that this deadline marks the final analogue switch-off, with subsequent phases focusing on paid television services, studio development, and content creator production centers. Audience measurement is also progressing, with initial proof of concept completed in Lagos and implementation underway in Abuja.

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We put a timeline for analogue switch-off. Before that time, a lot of things will be put in place. This is just phase one.

The NBC will consult with stakeholders, including the Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria, to finalize and publicize the implementation phases. The switch-off is expected to free up valuable spectrum, a strategic national asset, estimated to be worth upwards of $50 billion. Consultants will determine its precise valuation before allocation to sectors like telecommunications and financial services.

Regarding obsolete broadcasting equipment, the NBC is developing a policy aligned with international best practices. The Digital Switch Over white paper mandates the separation of content production from transmission, with signal distributors like NIGCOMSAT handling the latter. Obsolete analogue equipment may be repurposed, while unusable assets might be absorbed by the government to prevent environmental hazards.

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I won’t put a sum to it, but it is valued at upwards of about 50 billion dollars. Consultants will determine its actual value before allocation.