By Teddy Nwanunobi
As part of efforts to expand access to digital broadcasting across the country, the Federal Government will launch FreeTV, a national digital television platform, on Wednesday, June 17.
The presidency, in a post on X, stated that the platform will provide households nationwide with digital television, more channels, clearer pictures, and local content, all without monthly subscription fees.
According to the statement, FreeTV, which is part of Nigeria’s switch-over programme from analogue to digital broadcasting, will provide Nigerians, with over 100 channels, and will not require a TV to watch programmes.
“Nigeria will, on June 17, 2026 launch FreeTV, a national digital television platform that will give households across the country access to free digital television, more channels, clearer pictures, and Nigerian content without monthly subscription fees.
“Through the platform, Nigerians will have access to over 100 national, regional and state channels, including news, sports, movies, music, children’s programmes, educational content, and dedicated Yoruba, Hausa and Igbo language channels.
“The service will be available through satellite, terrestrial transmission, and the FreeTV mobile app, giving citizens access whether they live in major cities, towns, rural communities or areas that were not covered under the earlier DSO pilot phase.
“Nigerians do not need to buy a new television to watch FreeTV. Existing televisions can work with compatible DVB-T2 or DVB-S2 decoders, and those who already have compatible free-to-air decoders may not need to buy a new one.
“The platform will also support Nigeria’s creative and broadcast economy through regional production studios in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Enugu, Kano and Benin, creating new opportunities for content producers, technicians, editors, camera operators, sound engineers and young creatives,” it said.
Noting that the final analogue switch-off remains December 31, 2028, the government encouraged Nigerians to start preparing by checking their decoder compatibility and downloading the FreeTV app.