NBC Launches FreeTV, Offers Nigerians 100+ TV Channels Without Monthly Subscription

The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has unveiled FreeTV, a new national digital television platform designed to provide Nigerians with free access to more than 100 television channels without monthly subscription fees.

Announcing the initiative on Tuesday, the Federal Government said the platform forms part of Nigeria’s ongoing Digital Switch-Over (DSO) programme and aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises digital inclusion, job creation and expanded access to 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 channels in Yoruba, Hausa and Igbo languages.

The service will be available through satellite and terrestrial transmission, as well as via the FreeTV mobile application, enabling viewers in both urban and rural communities to access digital television services seamlessly.

The government noted that Nigerians would not be required to purchase new television sets to use the platform, provided they already own compatible DVB-T2 or DVB-S2 decoders. Households currently using compatible free-to-air decoders may also be able to access the service without additional equipment.

Speaking on the launch, NBC Director-General, Charles Ebuebu, described FreeTV as a major step toward expanding access to quality digital content while creating economic opportunities across the media and entertainment sectors.

“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.

“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 will also boost Nigeria’s creative economy through regional production studios located in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Enugu, Kano and Benin. The facilities are expected to create employment opportunities for content creators, editors, camera operators, sound engineers, technicians and other professionals across the broadcast industry.

The commission further reiterated that Nigeria’s final analogue switch-off remains scheduled for December 31, 2028, urging citizens to verify their decoder compatibility and download the FreeTV mobile application ahead of the nationwide rollout.