FG launches FreeTV, promises free access to over 100 channels

The Federal Government is set to launch FreeTV, a national digital television platform designed to provide Nigerians with free access to more than 100 television channels without monthly subscription fees.

The platform will be officially unveiled on June 17 as part of efforts to expand digital broadcasting and accelerate the country’s Digital Switch-Over programme.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the government said the initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which focuses on digital inclusion, job creation and broader access to economic opportunities.

According to the government, FreeTV will offer a wide range of content, including news, sports, movies, music, educational programmes, children’s content and dedicated indigenous language channels in Yoruba, Hausa and Igbo.

The service will be available through satellite and terrestrial transmission platforms, while a FreeTV mobile application will also enable users to access content on digital devices.

Officials said the initiative is designed to serve both urban and rural communities, helping to bridge gaps in access to digital broadcasting services.

The government noted that users will not be required to purchase new television sets to access the service, provided they already possess compatible DVB-T2 or DVB-S2 decoders.

Households using compatible free-to-air decoders may also be able to access the platform without additional equipment.

Speaking ahead of the launch, Director-General of the National Broadcasting Commission, Charles Ebuebu, said the initiative would improve access to quality digital content while creating opportunities for professionals within the creative industry.

“FreeTV speaks directly to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision of Renewed Hope towards expanding access, creating opportunity and ensuring that every Nigerian, regardless of location or income, can benefit from the digital economy,” Ebuebu said.

He added that the platform would benefit both viewers and industry practitioners.

“With FreeTV, families across Nigeria can enjoy quality digital television without a monthly subscription, while our local content producers, technicians and young creatives gain new platforms and new jobs.”

The NBC said the platform would further support Nigeria’s creative economy through regional production studios located in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Enugu, Kano and Benin.

According to the commission, the facilities are expected to create employment opportunities for content creators, camera operators, editors, sound engineers, technicians and other professionals within the broadcasting sector.

The commission also reaffirmed that Nigeria’s final analogue television switch-off remains scheduled for December 31, 2028.

It encouraged Nigerians to verify the compatibility of their decoders and download the FreeTV mobile application ahead of the platform’s nationwide rollout.

The launch marks another step in Nigeria’s transition to fully digital broadcasting as authorities seek to widen access to information, entertainment and educational content across the country.