Nigeria stands to rake in over one billion dollars from the digital dividend spectrum once the Digital Switch-Over programme kicks off on June 17th. Officials say the freed 700/800MHz bandwidth will transform broadcasting across the nation.
The government also projects N605.2 billion in fresh revenue from Nigeria's advertising sector. Broadcasters and content creators will tap multiple income streams through this initiative.
Charles Ebuebu, Director General of the National Broadcasting Commission, made these remarks at a press conference in Abuja on Wednesday. Jane Egerton-Idehen, Managing Director of Nigeria Satellite Communications Limited, stood beside him.
Both executives told journalists that all preparations for the launch are complete. They walked reporters through NigComSat's satellite facilities and infrastructure.
Ebuebu stressed the importance of shared infrastructure platforms for the programme's success. NigComSat plans to acquire two additional satellites by end of 2028.
According to him, the Digital Switch-Over will revolutionize how terrestrial and digital broadcasting operate in Nigeria. The commission spent months tackling technical hurdles and consulting stakeholders.
"The benefits will touch every sector of our economy," Ebuebu noted. He outlined how the switch would unlock the advertising market through reliable audience measurement systems.
Currently, Nigeria's creative economy contributes roughly N5 trillion to GDP and employs over 4.2 million people. Access to a modern distribution network will help creators export content across West Africa via NigComSat-1R.
Research from UNESCO and Deloitte shows that every naira invested in local content generates 2.5 times economic returns. Broadcasters will use the GARB system to access verified audience data.
With this information, they can set advertising rates based on actual viewership numbers instead of guesswork. The system covers all 36 states, including remote areas previously cut off from terrestrial signals.
Egerton-Idehen confirmed that NigComSat's infrastructure will support nationwide coverage. Regional studios across the country will produce content in indigenous languages.
The freed spectrum is expected to generate over $1 billion in auction revenues alone. Officials plan to reinvest these funds into digital infrastructure and rural broadband expansion.
Stakeholders in broadcasting say this represents a watershed moment for the industry. Content creators and smaller broadcasters now have a clearer path to monetization.
The NBC chief called on all players—broadcasters, producers, advertisers—to embrace this opportunity. He insisted that collaboration will be key to making the DSO work across Nigeria.
Mrs. Egerton-Idehen added that NigComSat remains committed to providing reliable satellite capacity.
She said the company's infrastructure investments ensure the programme won't face technical bottlenecks.
