Nigeria’s Digital Switch Over (DSO) project, designed to transition the nation from analogue to digital broadcasting, is facing severe setbacks due to persistent delays, mismanagement, and a lack of transparency. Chief Godfrey Ohuabunwa, Chairman of the Set Top Box Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (STBMAN), has raised these concerns, highlighting the critical issues that threaten the success of the DSO. Other experts and professionals in the industry or knowledgeable want also the Presidency to come out and clear the air where executives in the Presidency are fingered to be behind the delays and implementations.

The DSO was initiated as part of Nigeria’s commitment to the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) protocols. Despite its importance, the project has only seen limited implementation in a few states since its launch in 2015. Originally, the goal was to achieve a nationwide switch-off by 2017, but this deadline has been repeatedly postponed, leading to doubts about the project’s direction and feasibility.

The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), which is responsible for overseeing the DSO, has been criticised for its failure to fulfill its mandate. Leadership changes between 2016 and 2020 did not yield significant progress, with reports indicating that funds intended for the project were either misused or withheld. This situation has led to a loss of confidence among both local and international stakeholders, who are now questioning the project’s potential for success.

Recent announcements by the NBC regarding a shift from Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) to Hybrid Android/Direct-To-Home (DTH) set-top boxes have created further confusion and concern among stakeholders. These changes risk rendering existing investments in DTT technology obsolete, potentially leading to significant financial losses and job cuts within the local broadcasting industry.

In response to these developments, Chief Ohuabunwa is calling for an immediate stakeholders’ meeting to address the pressing issues surrounding the DSO. He emphasized the importance of adhering to the original DTT/DTH specifications and cautioned against introducing new technologies without proper consultation. The proposed meeting would include key industry players such as the Broadcasting Organization of Nigeria (BON), Independent Broadcasting Association of Nigeria (IBAN), and licensed Broadcast Signal Distributors (BSD).

Furthermore, the STBMAN is appealing to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Federal Government to intervene in the management of the DSO, particularly concerning the planned utilisation of a N10 billion grant. The association insists on transparency and accountability to ensure that the project delivers the intended benefits to the Nigerian economy and its citizens, rather than serving foreign interests.

Chief Ohuabunwa expressed deep concern about the current state of the DSO project, warning that the mismanagement and lack of transparency within the NBC are jeopardizing significant investments and the future of digital broadcasting in Nigeria. He urged the Federal Government to take immediate action to restore confidence in this critical national project.

Additionally, Chief Ohuabunwa warned against the potential misuse of the N10 billion grant allocated for the DSO. He stated that if the NBC continues to mismanage the project, STBMAN may be compelled to pursue legal action to protect their investments and ensure the integrity of the DSO initiative.