President Tinubu has approved N10b grants to the National Broadcasting Commission.
NewsOnline Nigeria reports that President Bola Tinubu has approved the sum of N10 billion grant to the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to actualise the country’s Digital Switchover process.
This Nigeria news platform understands that the director general of NBC, Charles Ebuebu disclosed this in Abuja.
Ebuebu promised that the fund would be judiciously utilised to actualize the digital switchover.
The country had failed on three occasions to meet the set date for the actualisation of switching from Analogue to digital broadcasting.
The last administrations had set a 2022 date for a nationwide wide rollout but failed.
The country had missed two previous dates 2012 and 2020.
Briefing journalists on the latest development Ebuebu said a new date will soon be announced for the nationwide rollout.
He spoke at a joint briefing with Dr. Aminu Maida, the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigeria Communications Commission.
The NBC DG said: “As you are all aware, the process of switching over from Analogue to the Digital Terrestrial Television platform began, fully, in Nigeria, in 2016, with the Digital switch of Jos, Plateau State. However, the process has stalled due to enormous challenges.
“In view of this, His Excellency, President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has graciously approved a grant of N10 billion from spectrum sales by the Federal Government to the National Broadcasting Commission.
“So the sum given to us by the President for the first phase is N10bn and that is what we are running with to kick-start this process.”
He therefore stressed that the fund is to “accelerate this process,” adding that the Commission is in collaboration with the Nigeria Communications Commission.
“This grant is not just a financial allocation; it is a testament to Mr. President’s collective commitment to driving technological advancement, economic growth, and cultural enrichment through the DSO project.
“This intervention is a testament to the visionary leadership of the President. It is a commitment to achieving a future where every Nigerian, regardless of their location, has access to superior broadband services and is included in the digital economy.”
He further explained: “What we presently have is the DTT, the Terrestrial Broadcast where you have broadcast stations around the country. We have launched in eight states already, and they are up and running, even with some challenges. But now, we are going to have satellite coverage that covers the entire nation all at once.
“So no matter where you are in Nigeria, you will be able to receive the channels and the content that will be put on that platform.
“This collaboration signifies a strategic alliance and a unified effort to bring about a seamless transition to digital broadcasting and underscores NCC’s determination to support this monumental project and ensure its success.”
“The funds allotted to this project will be meticulously expended to ensure that each component of the DSO Eco-system contributes significantly to the realization of impactful digital dividends for our country,” he promised.
On his part, the EVC NCC noted, “So we are going to be working very closely together obviously led by the NBC but where we need to provide support and ensure that the communication sector is ready.
“If we do this right especially if we get the right content, it is going to lead to a huge explosion in the consumption of data.
“So we have a role there to play in the NCC. We also have a role there to play in ensuring that the quality of connections, the quality of the signal that people are getting into these internet-connected devices is at the right level to support people enjoying this content.”
NBC boss highlighted areas of utilization of the grant to include: TV Channels: Developing and managing channels that cater to diverse interests, including educational, children’s programming, comedy, shopping, sports, gaming, betting, and local language channels. This ensures a rich and diverse content ecosystem that resonates with our viewers.
“Satellite Capacity: Leasing transponders and establishing a robust satellite backbone to ensure 100% signal coverage across Nigeria. This will expedite the Analog Switch Off and enhance accessibility to FreeTV services nationwide.
“Audience Measurement: Implementing advanced audience measurement tools to provide broadcasters and the industry with detailed insights into viewership patterns, preferences, and demographics.
“Marketing & Publicity: Creating awareness and ensuring a seamless transition through nationwide campaigns that educate the public about the benefits and implications of the Digital Switch Over.
“Content Production Studios: Establishing world-class studios across geopolitical zones in partnership with the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), providing local content producers with an inclusive environment to thrive.
“Digital Set-Top Boxes: acquisition and distributing hybrid Android/DTH set-top boxes with data connectivity functionalities, positioning them as gateways to a rich and diverse content ecosystem.
“FreeTV APP: Developing a user-friendly mobile application that allows viewers to watch FreeTV channels on handheld devices and access video-on-demand services.
“National Call Centre: upgrading the call centre, equipped with the latest technology to efficiently handle customer queries and ensure the highest service delivery standards.
“Training & Workshops: Conducting comprehensive training sessions and workshops for stakeholders, emphasizing the benefits of the DSO project and fostering collective progress during the digital transition.”
