The Federal Government has announced plans to relaunch its free satellite television service on June 17 in Abuja as part of efforts to expand access to digital broadcasting across Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, disclosed this on Wednesday after inspecting the facility situated near the headquarters of National Space Research and Development Agency.

The minister said the new platform is being developed through a partnership involving Nigerian Communications Satellite, the National Broadcasting Commission, the National Orientation Agency and the Ministry of Communications.

Nigeria first launched the free satellite television initiative in 2019 under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari. The programme, unveiled by former Information Minister Lai Mohammed, was supported by the Chinese government and targeted coverage in about 1,000 communities nationwide before it later stalled.

Speaking on the relaunch, Idris said the upgraded platform addresses some of the shortcomings that affected the earlier project, particularly the cost and encrypted nature of set-top boxes previously used by subscribers.

According to him, the new system is designed to provide free access to television services while extending coverage beyond Nigeria through the satellite reach of NIGCOMSAT.

He added that unlike the earlier Digital Switch Over project, which operated in only a few cities, the renewed initiative is expected to have broader accessibility across the country and parts of Sub-Saharan Africa.

The minister also disclosed that the upgraded platform now includes audience measurement technology capable of tracking viewers’ preferences and channel popularity.

He explained that the feature would provide broadcasters and advertisers with data to help them make informed programming and advertising decisions based on audience behaviour and demographics.

Idris described the relaunch as an important step in Nigeria’s transition to digital broadcasting, noting that the initiative could improve access to information, entertainment and educational content for millions of Nigerians.

The development comes amid growing concerns over rising subscription costs on pay television platforms such as MultiChoice’s DStv and GOtv services.

Industry observers say a government-backed free satellite television platform could provide relief for low-income households struggling with inflation and economic hardship while also increasing competition within Nigeria’s broadcasting sector.

Analysts also believe the initiative could improve television access in rural and underserved communities where digital broadcasting penetration remains low, especially if the promised nationwide and regional coverage is fully implemented.