Nigeria’s Federal Government (FG) has unveiled FreeTV, a new national digital television platform designed to provide millions of Nigerians with free access to over 100 television channels without recurring subscription fees as reported by TheCable.
The platform is scheduled to launch on June 17 as part of the country’s ongoing Digital Switch-Over (DSO) programme aimed at expanding digital broadcasting and improving access to information and entertainment nationwide.
According to government officials, FreeTV will offer a broad selection of content, including news, sports, movies, music, educational programmes, children’s shows and dedicated channels in major Nigerian languages such as Yoruba, Hausa and Igbo.
The service will be available through satellite and terrestrial transmission networks, while a dedicated mobile application will allow users to watch content on smartphones and other devices.
Authorities said the initiative is expected to improve television access in both urban and rural communities.
No monthly subscription required
The government stated that households will not need to purchase new television sets to access the service, provided they already use compatible DVB-T2 or DVB-S2 decoders.
Existing free-to-air decoder users may also be able to connect to the platform without acquiring additional equipment.
Officials described the project as part of broader efforts to promote digital inclusion, create jobs and expand access to opportunities under the administration’s development agenda.
NBC highlights opportunities for creative industry
Speaking ahead of the rollout, the Director-General of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), Charles Ebuebu, said the platform would not only increase access to digital content but also create employment opportunities across the media and creative sectors.
“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.
“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.”
Regional production hubs planned
The NBC also disclosed that the initiative will support Nigeria’s creative economy through regional production studios located in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Enugu, Kano and Benin.
The facilities are expected to create opportunities for content creators, editors, camera operators, sound engineers, technicians and other professionals involved in broadcasting and media production.
Meanwhile, the commission reaffirmed that Nigeria’s final transition from analogue broadcasting remains scheduled for December 31, 2028.
Citizens were encouraged to verify the compatibility of their decoders and download the FreeTV mobile application ahead of the nationwide rollout.
