19/06/2026
ON POINT:
Nigeria Launches FreeTV With Over 100 Free Channels, Unveils New Era Of Digital Broadcasting
The Federal Government has launched FreeTV, a new digital television platform offering over 100 free channels as part of Nigeria’s Digital Switch Over (DSO) initiative to expand access to digital broadcasting and speed up the transition from analogue television.
Launched by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, the platform will provide news, sports, movies, music, educational content, children's programmes, and dedicated Yoruba, Hausa, and Igbo channels. The service will be accessible through satellite and terrestrial networks, as well as a mobile application, allowing viewers in both urban and rural areas to enjoy digital television services.
The government clarified that users will not need to buy new television sets if they already have compatible DVB-T2 or DVB-S2 decoders.
Speaking at the launch, Idris highlighted the economic benefits of the initiative, saying, "A fully implemented DSO ecosystem will create jobs, stimulate local manufacturing, expand audience reach, strengthen content production, increase advertising opportunities, and unlock new revenue streams for broadcasters and content creators."
The Director-General of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), Charles Ebuebu, said the platform would improve access to digital content and create opportunities within the media and creative industries.
"FreeTV speaks directly to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision of Renewed Hope towards expanding access, creating opportunity and ensuring that every Nigerian, regardless of location or income, can benefit from the digital economy," Ebuebu said.
He added, "With FreeTV, families across Nigeria can enjoy quality digital television without a monthly subscription, while our local content producers, technicians and young creatives gain new platforms and new jobs."
The NBC also noted that the initiative will support Nigeria’s creative economy through regional production studios in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Enugu, Kano, and Benin.