COMMUNIQUE OF THE STAKEHOLDER MEETING ON DIGITAL SWITCH OVER (DSO) ROLL OUT IN NIGERIA HELD ON 16TH JUNE 2026 AT NICON LUXURY HOTEL, ABUJA

COMMUNIQUE OF THE STAKEHOLDER MEETING ON DIGITAL SWITCH OVER (DSO) ROLL OUT IN NIGERIA HELD ON 16TH JUNE 2026 AT NICON LUXURY HOTEL, ABUJA

1. Introduction

The Stakeholder Meeting on the Digital Switch Over (DSO) Roll Out in Nigeria convened by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) under the guidance of the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, brought together key players in the broadcasting ecosystem, including regulators, broadcasters, signal distributors, set-top box manufacturers, content producers, satellite operator, and industry associations, to deliberate on the way forward for the DSO project in Nigeria.

The Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, FNIPR chaired the meeting. 

The meeting had in attendance 128 participants including

• The Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, FNIPR.

• Director General, National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), Mr. Charles Ebuebu.

• Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, Dr. BRM Ukire.

• DG NTA- Abdulhameed Dambos

• DG ARCON- Dr olalekan Fadolapo

• Chairman, Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON),Senior High Chief Tony Akiotu.

• Managing Director/CEO, NIGCOMSAT Ltd, Mrs. Jane Nkechi Egerton-Idehen.

• Representatives of licensed broadcasters, signal distributors, set-top box manufacturers, content producers, DigiTeam Nigeria, and other industry stakeholders 

Following the presentations by the NBC and NIGCOMSAT and comm, the meeting proceeded into a closed-door stakeholder engagement session chaired by the Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, FNIPR, alongside the Chairman of the Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria (BON), Chief Tony Akiotu.

In his introductory remarks to the session, the Honourable Minister emphasized that the engagement was a family discussion aimed at finding practical solutions to ensure the success of the DSO project. He reassured stakeholders that government had no hidden agenda and that all decisions would be guided by national interest, stakeholder inclusion, and the long-term sustainability of the broadcasting industry.

The Minister acknowledged concerns regarding consultation and stakeholder participation and noted that while broader engagement should ideally have commenced earlier, it was not too late to build consensus and move forward collectively.

He urged stakeholders to approach the discussions constructively, emphasizing that while differing opinions may exist regarding implementation approaches, there was broad agreement among stakeholders on the need to complete Nigeria's digital migration.

5. Broad Areas of Consensus Emerging from Discussions

Despite differing perspectives, stakeholders generally agreed on the following:

• The Digital Switch Over project remains necessary and desirable for Nigeria.

• The transition should prioritize national interest and industry sustainability.

• More regular and continuous stakeholder engagements and consultations are essential.

• Local content development and local manufacturing should remain central objectives to the DSO implementation.

• The DSO model must ensure sustainability across the broadcasting value chain.

• Regulatory certainty and investor confidence must be preserved.

• The DSO rollout should create jobs, attract investment, and expand opportunities for Nigerian broadcasters and content creators.

9. Resolutions and Next Steps

Following extensive deliberations, the following resolutions were arrived at:

1. Stakeholders reaffirmed their collective commitment to the successful implementation of the Digital Switch Over programme in Nigeria.

2. The meeting agreed that Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) remains an integral component of the DSO framework and should not be discontinued.

3. Stakeholders agreed on the importance of adopting a hybrid digital broadcasting model that leverages DTT, Direct-to-Home (DTH) satellite services, and digital application-based delivery platforms.

4. The meeting agreed that the DSO Digital Implementation Team, Digiteam, should be reconstituted to guide the DSO implementation

5. Stakehoders agreed that the  National Broadcasting Commission should remain committed to protecting investments already made by licensed set-top box manufacturers and other stakeholders within the DSO ecosystem.

6. The Commission agreed to strengthen stakeholder engagement and consultation processes to ensure transparency and inclusiveness in the DSO implementation activities.

7. Stakeholders welcomed ongoing efforts by NBC and ARCON to develop a sustainable business model that will enhance audience measurement, improve advertising revenue generation, and support the long-term viability of broadcasters.

8. There was broad consensus on the need to promote local content production, local manufacturing, and job creation as key objectives of the DSO programme.

9. The National Broadcasting Commission agreed to review stakeholder concerns relating to implementation frameworks, technical standards, and carraige agreement in consultation with relevant stakeholders as part of ongoing consultations.

10. Stakeholders were assured of measures taken by NIGCOMSAT to ensure satellite reliability and continuity of service for the DSO platform. In addition, existing backup arrangements with alternative satellite operators are already in place to guarantee uninterrupted service and eliminate the need for subscriber dish realignment.

11. There will be at least a quarterly Stakeholders meeting to ensure alignment in the DSO implementation.

Next Steps

To advance the implementation of the Digital Switch Over programme, the following actions were identified:

1. The Federal government of Nigeria  through the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation will reconstitute the DigiTeam stakeholder platform to provide a structured mechanism for consultation, collaboration, and industry participation.

2. NBC will continue engagements with set-top box manufacturers and other industry stakeholders to address concerns regarding existing investments and future participation in the DSO ecosystem.

3. NBC and the reconstituted DIGITEAM to develop a revised implementation framework will be developed further to consultation with the industry to clearly define the roles of national, regional, state, and community broadcasters within the hybrid DSO model. Further consultations will be conducted to review aspects of the existing DSO framework and identify areas requiring policy updates or regulatory adjustments

4. NBC and ARCON will finalize and present a comprehensive business model aimed at strengthening audience measurement systems, expanding advertising opportunities, and ensuring the sustainability of broadcast media organisations.

5. The Commission will work with relevant government agencies to promote local manufacturing, prevent market distortions, and encourage greater participation by indigenous technology providers.

6. Additional awareness and stakeholder sensitisation programmes will be undertaken to improve understanding of the DSO implementation strategy and its benefits.

7. Stakeholders will continue to collaborate with government agencies to ensure that the DSO programme delivers improved broadcasting services, expanded audience reach, enhanced revenue opportunities, and greater value for Nigerian consumers.

Prepared and signed by:

Rapporteur Team

1. Clementine Usman-Wamba – NBC

2. Chido Nwakanma – Media Consultant

3. Kunle Famous-Cole – NBC

4. Dr. Asukwu Unuyu – NBC

5. Usman Umar Bello – BON

6. Precious Antoinette Chrysanctus - FMINO

16th June 2026

NICON Luxury Hotel, Abuja