ABUJA, Nigeria — The Federal Government has officially launched FreeTV, its national digital television platform, offering Nigerians access to about 100 free-to-air television channels as part of efforts to accelerate the country’s transition from analogue to digital broadcasting.
The operational rollout commenced on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, following an introductory operational directive published by the presidency on Tuesday night.
Okay News reports that the launch marks a major phase of Nigeria’s Digital Switch Over (DSO) programme. Under the initiative, households will be able to receive dozens of local and international channels through a subsidized, locally manufactured digital set-top box without the need to purchase new television sets.
According to government officials, the platform is expected to provide access to approximately 100 television channels, including public service, educational, entertainment, news, sports and commercial broadcasters. The service is designed to improve picture and sound quality while expanding access to digital broadcasting across the country.
The state-backed platform will serve as the primary carriage network for Nigeria’s free-to-air digital channels, delivering high-definition content, emergency information services and interactive educational programming. Authorities said the initiative is also expected to stimulate local manufacturing, create jobs within the electronics and creative industries, and reduce the cost of digital migration for millions of households.
