The Federal Government has officially launched FreeTV, a national digital television platform that gives Nigerians free access to more than 100 channels without monthly subscription fees.
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‎The service went live on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, as part of Nigeria’s Digital Switch-Over programme, which is moving the country from analogue to digital broadcasting. 
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‎The launch was announced by the Presidency and the National Broadcasting Commission, with backing from President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
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‎FreeTV carries over 100 national, regional, and state channels covering news, sports, movies, music, children’s shows, and educational content. It also includes dedicated Yoruba, Hausa, and Igbo language channels. The goal is to make quality TV available to every household, regardless of income or location.
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‎The platform works through satellite and terrestrial transmission, plus a FreeTV mobile app for Android and iOS. That means people in both cities and rural areas can tune in, even on low-bandwidth connections.
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‎The government said Nigerians don’t need to buy new television sets. Existing TVs can access FreeTV with DVB-T2 or DVB-S2 decoders. Households already using compatible free-to-air decoders can connect without new hardware. Viewers can pick up the signal via the NigComSat-1R satellite at 42.5°E.
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‎Charles Ebuebu, Director-General of the National Broadcasting Commission, said FreeTV is about digital inclusion and jobs.
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‎“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,” he said.
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‎Beyond free viewing, the platform is expected to boost Nigeria’s creative industry. New production hubs are being set up in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Enugu, Kano, and Benin. The government has reserved 40% of channel slots for independent and regional producers. Real-time audience measurement tools will also give advertisers verified data, which could grow ad revenue for local media.
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‎FreeTV is a key step in Nigeria’s DSO programme, which aims to fully switch off analogue broadcasting by December 31, 2028. At least 57 channels are already live, and the app is available on Google Play. 
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‎For millions of Nigerians, the launch means clearer pictures, more channels, and no monthly bills.
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