NBC Encourages Content Creators to Embrace Digital Transition for Growth

The Director-General of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), Charles Ebuebu, has emphasized the importance of Nigeria’s Digital Switchover (DSO) for content owners, stating that this transition is crucial for enhancing visibility, increasing revenue, and promoting industry collaboration.

During his address as the Special Guest of Honour at the induction ceremony for the Electronic Media Content Owners Association of Nigeria held in Lagos, Ebuebu pointed out that the DSO's ultimate success relies significantly on the active involvement of content creators.

"The success of the DSO could face challenges without engaging content to fill the channels. We urge content owners to collaborate with the commission to ensure that Nigeria's digital future is rich, diverse, and sustainable," he remarked.

He further noted that the upcoming FreeTV Direct-to-Home platform, along with its mobile applications, is set to broaden reach across the nation, providing creators with valuable audience analytics and opportunities for partnerships with brands.

The Digital Switchover signifies Nigeria's shift from analogue to digital broadcasting, facilitated by the NBC using the Nigerian Communications Satellite infrastructure. This initiative aims to offer over 100 channels and enhance access, particularly in underserved regions, through hybrid decoders.

After numerous delays since 2012, the project now enjoys robust government backing and is scheduled to commence in April 2026.

Ebuebu praised EMCOAN members for their role in advancing Nigeria's creative economy, reaffirming the commission’s dedication to enhancing local content on a global scale.

At the event, EMCOAN appointed Wale Adenuga as Grand Patron and Yinka Adebayo as Patron. Notable industry figures in attendance included Opa Williams, Agatha Amata, Jibe Ologeh, Emeka Ossai, Debbie Odetayo, Amina Mohammed, and Frank Elaboya.

EMCOAN President, Adeniji Omirin, urged members to fully embrace the digital transition, describing this pivotal moment as transformative for Nigeria’s broadcasting and creative sectors.