Nigeria Eyes $1billion Annually from Digital Switch Over

The Federal Government is expected to generate over $1billion (about N450billion) annually following the successful transition of Nigeria’s broadcast from analogue to digital broadcasting.
Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, who disclosed this on Tuesday, October 18, in Abuja while declaring open the 11th Biennial Conference of Africa Broadcasters (Africast), said the opportunities of digitisation are almost limitless as it will also help create jobs for the youths.

Mohammed said in addition to increased revenue, digital broadcasting would also raise the number of the current 450 TV stations in the country.

“The digitisation of broadcasting offers Nigeria a lot of opportunities; the benefits are multifaceted and very far-reaching – in the areas of economics, politics, education, entertainment, science and technology and several others.

“Many have said that the impact of digitisation on television will be revolutionary and I cannot agree less,’’ the Minister said.

According to him, the industry has witnessed massive growth since the 1992 deregulation of broadcasting in the country which allowed private sector to move in.

He restated the Federal Government’s commitment to meeting the new deadline of June 2017 for the country to transit from analogue to digital broadcasting. He added that the transition will open the window for free TV service with up to 30 channels laden with sports, news, documentaries and other programmes.

 

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