Tinubu approves N10b to fast-track digital switchover

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the release of N10 billion to the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to fast-track the process of achieving digital switchover.

Director General of NBC, Mr Charles Ebuebu, who disclosed this at a joint press conference with the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr Aminu Maida, yesterday, in Abuja, noted that the intervention was testament to the visionary leadership of the President and commitment to achieving a future where every Nigerian, regardless of their location, would have access to superior broadband services and included in the digital economy.

He said: “President Tinubu has graciously approved a grant from spectrum sales by the Federal Government to the National Broadcasting 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.”

He said that to accelerate the process, the commission was in collaboration with the NCC, adding that the collaboration signified a strategic alliance and a unified effort to bring about a seamless transition to digital broadcasting and underscored NCC’s determination to support project and ensure its success.

He explained that the key areas of utilisation of the grant included developing and managing channels that would cater to diverse interests, including educational, children’s programming, comedy, shopping, sports, gaming, betting, and local language channels to ensure a rich and diverse content ecosystem that would resonate with viewers.