NBC to begin analogue switch-off

The National Broadcasting Commission has revealed that the process of switching off Nigeria’s analogue broadcast signal will begin in Abuja next year, followed by Enugu, Kaduna, Jos, Osogbo and Ilorin.

Announcing the news at the recent general assembly of the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria in Lagos, NBC director general Mallam Is’haq Modibo Kawu said the Nigerian government would release a full timeline for the digital switchover (DSO).

The government is aiming to ensure that a digital signal reaches at least 95% of the population. Information and culture minister Alhaji Lai Muhammed said: “With the DSO, the new broadcasting code will mainly focus on the protection of the creative property of content producers.”

Meanwhile, Godfrey Ohunbunwa, acting chairman of the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria, expressed concern over the slow pace of Nigeria’s digital transition. “Regulation and funding are crucial to the success of the DSO and, without firm regulation, there would be no clarity of purpose for the DSO,” he added.

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