Broadcasting
Funding, Politics, Others Hobble DSO Projects
Inadequate funding, set-top boxes, political and economic considerations have been identified as some of the threats to speedy roll out of Digital Switch Over (DSO) projects across the country.
The Guardian reported that two years after digital switch over from analogue to digital broadcasting was launched in Jos, Plateau State at its pilot phase, National Broadcasting Commission’s (NBC) roll out is moving at a snail speed with only six states covered so far.
While about 32 million set-top boxes are needed to cover the entire country, only a little over one million set-top boxes are ready.
Meanwhile, there are indications that the price of set-top boxes, officially pegged at N1, 500 currently, may be upwardly reviewed as distributors are mounting pressure on the commission to leave the price to market forces.
Godfrey Ohuabunwa, chairman, Set Top Box Manufacturers Association of Nigerian (STBMAN), stated in an interview with the Guardian that government could make between N50 billion and N300 billion from TV licenses in Nigeria even if 30-35 million people log on to it.
Ohuabunwa, who is also the Group Managing Director (GMD) of Gospell Digital Technology, said: “As such the benefits are huge. The process is slow but since government has assured of its commitment in moving to at least six states by the end of this year, it should be switching over.
“So, we are selling and manufacturing to the open market and we encourage government to make effort to subsidise.”
Kaduna State was the fourth to launch in December last year. This came almost two years after the pilot in Jos and one year after the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja.
The project, which appears to be in line with government’s effort to meet the 100 per cent target of moving the country from analogue to digital broadcast, has seen Nigeria miss several switch over deadlines before now.
Is’haq Modibbo Kawu, director general, National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), had last week, met with STBMAN to x-ray their achievements, challenges and propose a way forward in the manufacturing and supplies of STBs in Abuja.
He noted that some of NBC’s challenges were getting the STDs factories functional to meet the production requirements of over 22 million TV homes; how to make the boxes affordable without compromising quality and ensuring that the operations are reasonably profitable and sustainable in the long-term.
There are also challenges of how to maximise the business opportunities for members of STD association, and in the interest of majority of Nigerians and how to deploy in good time to enable analogue switch off, without which the entire eco-system would remain unviable.
He lamented the unethical practice of STBms who refuse to supply the boxes that NBC had paid for, but bring them to launch locations and sell in a most unethical manner.
Dr. Armstrong Idachaba, NBC’s director, Broadcast Monitoring, told The Guardian that digital switch over was a delicate process, adding that there were political, sociological and economic considerations to be managed
Mr. Tim Akano, New Horizons Chief Executive Officer, took centre stage at the Nigerian Information Technology Reporters’ Association (NITRA) annual end-of-year meeting on Thursday, December 18, 2025, recounting the company’s remarkable growth and reaffirming free IT training for journalists.
Tim Akano, New Horizons Chief Executive Officer, in a group photograph with NITRA Members
Speaking directly to IT media members at the company’s training facility in Lagos, Akano acknowledged the critical role journalists played in supporting New Horizons during its formative years two decades ago.
He detailed how the firm evolved from a handful of staff to one of Africa’s leading ICT skills training organisations, now employing about 500 staff across multiple training centres nationwide.
Akano Spotlights Youth Training, University Partnerships
Akano highlighted that New Horizons has trained over 500,000 youths, particularly tertiary institution students, equipping them with practical IT skills essential for Nigeria’s digital economy.
He announced recent partnerships with universities, including a new agreement with Afe Babalola University, to scale hands-on training programmes for students.
“This growth would not have been possible without the media’s support in documenting our journey,” Akano stated, pledging continued free IT skills training for media members to remain competitive in the evolving digital landscape.
Reciprocal Support Defines Long-Standing Partnership
The venue hosting the NITRA meeting underscored Akano’s generosity; NITRA Secretary Chidiebere Nwankwo secured the free facility after contacting him—a gesture consistent with New Horizons hosting multiple association events and training IT journalists since its inception 20 years ago.
Participants shared personal testimonies of Akano’s support, including veteran journalist Aaron Ukodie, whose daughter—an Accounting graduate from the University of Johannesburg—received NYSC placement and IT scholarship at New Horizons.
The Guardian’s Yemi Adeyemi recounted Akano accommodating his editor’s child for mandatory IT training after other firms declined.
Members praised Akano’s commitment to human capital development as evidence of deep appreciation for the media community that chronicled New Horizons’ success over two decades.
National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has launched the NIMC Pre-Enrolment Portal to revolutionise the National Identification Number (NIN) enrolment process, enabling applicants within Nigeria and in the Diaspora to capture biodata online prior to biometric verification at enrolment centres.
NIMC
Accessible via penrol.nimc.gov.ng, the platform allows users to fill enrolment forms, schedule appointments, upload supporting documents securely, and manage personal details directly, thereby slashing congestion, minimising wait times, boosting data accuracy and enhancing overall service efficiency at centres nationwide.
NIMC Director-General and CEO, Engr. (Dr) Abisoye Coker-Odusote, spearheaded the initiative as part of the Commission’s technology-driven strategy to fortify institutional performance, aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda that emphasises digital transformation, efficient public service delivery and inclusive national development.
Dr Kayode Adegoke, Head of Corporate Communications, highlighted key benefits including simplified biodata handling, confidential data protection through robust security measures, reduced physical centre visits and heightened operational effectiveness, urging all prospective enrollees to adopt the portal for a faster, citizen-friendly experience.[conversation_history]
The move underscores NIMC’s mandate under the NIMC Act No. 23 of 2007 to manage the National Identity Database, issue NINs and foster a reliable digital identity ecosystem vital for national planning, with users advised to complete pre-enrolment online before heading to selected centres for biometrics.
MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF), a Pan-African film and television training institution, has announced the opening of applications for its 2026 intake.
MultiChoice
The fully funded programme is open to African graduates aspiring to become directors, filmmakers, scriptwriters, producers and storytellers.
According to MultiChoice, the nine-month accredited curriculum combines online learning with intensive in-person training, and is designed to balance theoretical knowledge with practical immersion.
MTF academies are located in Kenya, Nigeria and Zambia, and serve aspiring filmmakers from 14 African countries. Since its inception in 2018, the initiative has trained 296 filmmakers, with graduates producing more than 42 movies aired on DStv, GOtv and Showmax platforms.
Organisers said alumni of the programme have gone on to establish over 50 production companies, while many continue to work within the MultiChoice ecosystem.
Graduates have also won accolades at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards, Kalasha Awards, Uganda Film Festival and Women in Film Awards.
Applications for the 2026 intake close on Feb. 27, 2026. Interested candidates can visit https://apo-opa.co/3XW53oE for programme requirements.
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