Stakeholders in the broadcast industry have warned the current administration about the mistakes of the past regime that militated against Nigeria’s smooth transition to digital broadcasting.
The Digital Switch-Over (DSO) is key to this transformation, promising economic growth, innovation, and better access to information. Yet, nearly two decades after its launch, the DSO remains stalled due to bureaucracy, outdated policies, and lack of political will.
The stakeholders stated that to unlock its potential, the Nigeria must abandon outdated analogue systems and fully adopt digital technology.
According to the stakeholders, Nigeria stands at a crossroads, and said the DSO’s initial vision aligned with global standards, but poor execution has turned it into a missed opportunity.
“The 2015 policy framework is obsolete, failing to account for today’s diverse broadcasting landscape—streaming platforms, satellite services, and hybrid solutions. Clinging to outdated tech harms Nigeria’s creative industries, like Nollywood and Afrobeats, limiting their global competitiveness.
“Bureaucratic delays and poor leadership at the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) have worsened the situation. Without industry collaboration and transparency, progress remains sluggish. The economic cost is high – Nigeria loses potential revenue, jobs, and spectrum efficiency by delaying the switch”, they noted.
A comprehensive public awareness campaign is required to educate consumers about the advantages of digital broadcasting and promote adoption. This campaign should be tailored to various regions and demographics, addressing concerns about affordability, accessibility, and usability.
The freed-up spectrum must be efficiently managed and allocated to services that maximise economic and social value. This necessitates careful planning and coordination by the NBC and other relevant government agencies.
Prof. Armstrong Idachaba, speaking at the IBAN annual general meeting, stated that “jobs will be created and revenues generated from spectrum sales and licensing”.
“The Government must address legacy issues, such as outstanding payments to signal distributors and STB manufacturers, fairly and transparently. This will help to restore confidence in the DSO project and encourage additional investment. The government should actively promote private sector participation in the DSO. This can be accomplished through public-private partnerships, concessions, and other innovative financing strategies.
To revitalise the DSO and realise its full potential, Nigeria requires a comprehensive and forward-thinking approach. The following key steps are critical to success:
- Policy Revision: The 2015 White Paper must be immediately updated to reflect the current technological landscape. This should include a comprehensive review of the current policy framework, taking into account the convergence of DTT, DTH, OTT, and hybrid technologies. The updated policy should encourage flexibility, innovation, and consumer choice.
- Empower the NBC: The NBC must have the authority to effectively lead the DSO. This necessitates providing the agency with the necessary resources, autonomy, and political support to carry out its mandate. The NBC should also prioritise meaningful engagement with all stakeholders, which promotes collaboration and transparency. The practice of ignoring industry experts must be stopped immediately.
- Embrace Hybrid Solutions: The emphasis should shift from DTT-based STBs to hybrid devices capable of seamlessly integrating terrestrial, satellite, and internet-based content. This will provide consumers with more options and ensure that Nigeria does not fall behind in the global digital broadcasting revolution.
- Promote Local Manufacturing: While embracing hybrid solutions, the government should continue to support local production of STBs and other related equipment. This can be accomplished with targeted incentives, technical assistance, and quality control measures. It is critical to learn from the failures of the initial STB manufacturing initiative and address the challenges faced by local manufacturers.
Transparency and accountability are crucial to avoid past mistakes. Nigeria’s creative and tech sectors depend on this shift. The time for half-measures is over – bold action is needed to secure a digital future, they emphasised.
