The Federal Government is introducing near zero-interest financing to enable five million low-income households access digital TV under a new satellite-first strategy aimed at expanding Nigeria’s digital broadcast inclusion.

The plan is a key component of The Big Picture, a reimagined Digital Switchover (DSO) programme jointly launched by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) and the Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT), and endorsed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu under his Renewed Hope Agenda, according to the government agencies.

In line with a presidential directive to improve affordability, NBC is partnering with the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP) to provide low-interest financing options for acquiring Direct-to-Home (DTH) and internet-enabled hybrid reception devices. According to NBC, repayments will be structured to suit the income levels of low-earning households.

In line with a presidential directive to improve affordability, NBC is partnering with the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP) to provide low-interest financing options for acquiring Direct-to-Home (DTH) and internet-enabled hybrid reception devices. According to NBC, repayments will be structured to suit the income levels of low-earning households.

“These branded devices feature pre-installed apps, voice search, and parental controls specifically designed for Nigeria’s youth-dominated population (60% under 25),” Barrister Charles Ebuebu, Director-General of NBC, and Mrs Jane Egerton-Idehen, Managing Director of NIGCOMSAT, say in a joint statement.

The hybrid receivers, capable of accessing over 100 free-to-air channels, blend satellite broadcasting with internet streaming, enabling users to switch between traditional television and on-demand content. Devices will also include built-in Electronic Programme Guides (EPGs) for user-friendly navigation.

To extend reach into underserved communities, the government is rolling out a DSO Mobile App that allows channel streaming to internet-enabled devices. The app employs adaptive bitrate technology to maintain playback quality in areas with limited bandwidth, targeting Nigeria’s mobile-first audience—70% of whom primarily consume content via smartphones.

Under the strategy, 15,000 technicians will be trained and deployed nationwide. A 24/7 multilingual call centre—operating in Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba, and Pidgin English—will provide user support across the country. A network of Digital Ambassadors will be mobilised to drive awareness and digital literacy at the grassroots level.

According to the NBC, the initiative is designed to “democratise access to digital broadcasting,” ensuring affordability does not hinder participation in the digital economy.

“We are bridging the digital divide, one household at a time and embracing how Nigerians actually consume media today,” Barrister Ebuebu adds.

The Federal Government is introducing near zero-interest financing to enable five million low-income households access digital TV under a new satellite-first strategy aimed at expanding Nigeria’s digital broadcast inclusion.

The plan is a key component of The Big Picture, a reimagined Digital Switchover (DSO) programme jointly launched by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) and the Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT), and endorsed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu under his Renewed Hope Agenda, according to the government agencies.

In line with a presidential directive to improve affordability, NBC is partnering with the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP) to provide low-interest financing options for acquiring Direct-to-Home (DTH) and internet-enabled hybrid reception devices. According to NBC, repayments will be structured to suit the income levels of low-earning households.

In line with a presidential directive to improve affordability, NBC is partnering with the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP) to provide low-interest financing options for acquiring Direct-to-Home (DTH) and internet-enabled hybrid reception devices. According to NBC, repayments will be structured to suit the income levels of low-earning households.

“These branded devices feature pre-installed apps, voice search, and parental controls specifically designed for Nigeria’s youth-dominated population (60% under 25),” Barrister Charles Ebuebu, Director-General of NBC, and Mrs Jane Egerton-Idehen, Managing Director of NIGCOMSAT, say in a joint statement.

The hybrid receivers, capable of accessing over 100 free-to-air channels, blend satellite broadcasting with internet streaming, enabling users to switch between traditional television and on-demand content. Devices will also include built-in Electronic Programme Guides (EPGs) for user-friendly navigation.

To extend reach into underserved communities, the government is rolling out a DSO Mobile App that allows channel streaming to internet-enabled devices. The app employs adaptive bitrate technology to maintain playback quality in areas with limited bandwidth, targeting Nigeria’s mobile-first audience—70% of whom primarily consume content via smartphones.

Under the strategy, 15,000 technicians will be trained and deployed nationwide. A 24/7 multilingual call centre—operating in Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba, and Pidgin English—will provide user support across the country. A network of Digital Ambassadors will be mobilised to drive awareness and digital literacy at the grassroots level.

According to the NBC, the initiative is designed to “democratise access to digital broadcasting,” ensuring affordability does not hinder participation in the digital economy.

“We are bridging the digital divide, one household at a time and embracing how Nigerians actually consume media today,” Barrister Ebuebu adds.