The Federal Government has launched FreeTV, a new national digital television platform that will provide Nigerians with access to more than 100 television channels at no monthly subscription cost.
The platform was officially introduced on June 17 as part of efforts to strengthen digital broadcasting and advance Nigeria’s Digital Switch-Over programme.
According to the government, the initiative supports President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda by promoting digital inclusion, creating jobs and expanding access to opportunities within the digital economy.
FreeTV will offer a variety of content, including news, sports, movies, music, educational programmes, children’s shows and indigenous language channels in Yoruba, Hausa and Igbo.
The service will be available through both satellite and terrestrial transmission networks. In addition, a FreeTV mobile application will allow users to watch content on smartphones and other digital devices.
Government officials said the platform is designed to serve both urban and rural communities, helping to close the gap in access to digital broadcasting services across the country.
Users will not need to buy new television sets if they already own compatible DVB-T2 or DVB-S2 decoders. Households with free-to-air compatible decoders may also be able to access the service without purchasing additional equipment.
Speaking ahead of the launch, Director-General of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), Charles Ebuebu, said FreeTV would expand access to quality digital content while creating new opportunities for professionals in Nigeria’s creative industry.
He noted that the platform aligns with the administration’s vision of ensuring that all Nigerians, regardless of their location or income level, can benefit from the digital economy.
Ebuebu added that FreeTV would provide families with affordable access to entertainment and information while creating new platforms and employment opportunities for content creators, technicians and young creatives.
The NBC also disclosed that the platform will boost Nigeria’s creative economy through regional production studios in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Enugu, Kano and Benin. These facilities are expected to generate jobs for content producers, editors, camera operators, sound engineers and other broadcasting professionals.
The commission further confirmed that Nigeria’s final analogue television switch-off remains scheduled for December 31, 2028, and encouraged Nigerians to check the compatibility of their decoders and download the FreeTV mobile app ahead of the nationwide rollout.
The launch marks another milestone in Nigeria’s transition to fully digital broadcasting, with the government aiming to expand access to information, education and entertainment across the country.
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