The Association of Licensed Set-Top Box Manufacturers of Nigeria (STBMAN) has called for wider stakeholders’ consultation on the National Broadcasting Commission’s (NBC) planned transition from analogue to digital broadcasting ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement signed by its Chairman, Mr Godfrey Ohuabunwa, in Abuja, the association said broader engagement with industry stakeholders would ensure a smooth and inclusive migration process.
Ohuabunwa said while the association supports Nigeria’s digital migration programme, concerns remain over aspects of implementation and the need to align the process with the 2012 Digital Switchover (DSO) White Paper approved by the Federal Executive Council.
He noted that the current arrangement appears focused mainly on channel aggregation through NigComSat platforms, rather than a full Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) migration as outlined in the original framework.
He said millions of Nigerians still depend on free-to-air broadcasting for information, civic education, public enlightenment and election-related coverage.
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Ohuabunwa added that adequate consultation and sensitisation would help minimise disruption and ensure wider public understanding of the migration process.
He also raised concerns over what he described as the dual role of NBC as regulator and content aggregator, urging alignment with the 2012 White Paper and international broadcasting practice.
The STBMAN chairman called for a national stakeholders’ roundtable involving broadcasters, signal distributors, manufacturers, technical experts and other relevant parties.
He recommended an independent legal and technical review of the DSO process, as well as an update of the 2012 White Paper to reflect current industry realities.
Ohuabunwa said sustained public sensitisation would strengthen confidence in the process and safeguard the interests of local operators.
According to him, the association is not opposed to digital migration but advocates a process that is transparent, inclusive and technically sound.
He said collaborative engagement would help ensure Nigeria’s digital broadcasting transition aligns with national objectives and international best practices ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Nigeria’s DSO policy, approved in a 2012 Federal Executive Council White Paper, provides the framework for migrating from analogue to digital terrestrial television (DTT) broadcasting.
The policy seeks to improve broadcast quality, expand channel capacity, free up spectrum for broadband services, and strengthen the broadcasting industry while widening access to information.
It establishes a clear separation of roles among stakeholders; broadcasters as content providers, signal distributors as transmission operators, and set-top box manufacturers as equipment providers, while the NBC serves as regulator.
The framework also provides for a phased rollout supported by public sensitisation and affordable access to set-top boxes to ensure inclusive adoption.
(NAN)
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