STBMAN raises alarm over NBC’s planned digital switch ahead 2027 polls

…Urges President Tinubu’s intervention

The Association of Licensed Set-Top Box Manufacturers of Nigeria, STBMAN has raised concerns over the National Broadcasting Commission’s (NBC) planned transition from analogue to digital broadcasting, warning that the process, if not properly handled, could create confusion, exclusion, legal disputes, and serious risks ahead of the 2027 general elections.

This is contained in a statement signed by the Chairman of the Association, Sir Godfrey Ohuabunwa in Abuja.

STBMAN stated that while it fully supports Nigeria’s digital migration programme, the current approach being implemented by NBC appears rushed, unclear, and inconsistent with the existing 2012 Digital Switchover (DSO) White Paper approved by the Federal Executive Council.

According to the statement, the current arrangement being presented as Digital Switchover is, in reality, the aggregation of channels on NigComSat platforms and not a complete Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) migration as originally approved under Nigeria’s DSO framework.

It warned that proceeding without broad stakeholder consultation could undermine public confidence, weaken access to information, and create avoidable disruptions within the broadcasting industry at a sensitive political period leading to the 2027 elections.

STBMAN noted that millions of Nigerians still rely heavily on free-to-air broadcasting for information, civic education, election coverage, and national orientation.

It stressed that any poorly coordinated migration process could result in public confusion, signal disruptions, unequal access to information, and misinformation during the election season.

The statement further argued that NBC risks creating a conflict of interest by simultaneously acting as regulator and content aggregator, contrary to the spirit of the 2012 White Paper and international best practices guiding digital broadcasting migration.

STBMAN therefore appealed directly to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to urgently intervene by directing NBC to suspend any unilateral implementation pending wider consultation with broadcasters, signal distributors, manufacturers, technical experts, and other stakeholders.

The Association also called for an urgent national stakeholders’ roundtable; Independent legal and technical review of the DSO process; Review and update of the 2012 DSO White Paper; Nationwide public sensitization on the cost and implications of digital migration; and Protection of local broadcasting and public interest.

STBMAN maintained that it is not opposed to digital migration but insists that the process must be transparent, lawful, inclusive, and technically sound.

It warned that failure to properly manage the transition could threaten national unity, weaken democratic communication structures, waste public funds, and negatively affect the credibility of the 2027 general elections.

“Mr. President, Nigeria cannot afford confusion in its broadcasting system at a time the nation is preparing for another critical democratic transition. The time to act is now,” he stated.