It is with gratitude to God that i welcome you to this very important conference on the Digital Switch on in Lagos.
This meeting is obviously put together to aggregate the involvement or participation of stake holders, especially those of us in Lagos on the imperatives of this transition.
May i remind you that as a country, we earnestly commenced the DSO in 2016 with the pilot in Jos and subsequent roll out in 6 states, where the proposition is gaining traction.
The Switch on in Lagos is very significant because Lagos is unquestionably the Media hub of Nigeria, the most populated city in the country and advertising melting point.
This conference will set the frame work for the implementation of the process in Lagos, we have therefore brought to you today, the Ministerial task force on the DSO chaired by the honorable minister himself, Digiteam is also here, Free TV platform, the coalition of critical operators in the process are also here to offer detailed explanations of the process.
The Directorate of Broadcast Research and planning has undertaken a study of the next phase of the roll out. The research outcome indicate data or findings regarding- levels of awareness which is still less than 2o percent, it also indicates level of preparedness by broadcasters which generally hovers about 30 percent. The report also covers expected revenues from the DSO, challenges to the roll out and current audience rating of programmes.
I therefore want to appeal to the Signal distributors and channel owners to ensure that before the 29th of April 2021 all necessary procedures and installations for a hitch free Switch on is concluded. The NBC shall remain in Lagos to ensure that is concluded.
To the box manufacturers, Lagos is a huge population, boxes must be on ground and available. Some observers remain unconvinced that our local box manufacturers have the capacity to deliver due largely to the huge projected requirement of 40 million STBs. I know that you will justify the huge confidence imposed on you the NBC and the government. Kindly make them available and affordable.
I must commend and appreciate broadcasters who are already giving the switch on the needed publicity , Channels TV…It goes a way to prove as they say, we are all in this together.
May, i specially thank the honorable minister of Information and the Federal government especially since the coming to office of President Buhari, for the immeasurable political, financial and moral support that has led to the re invigoration of the DSO roll out phase 2.The World is waiting to see with optimism how Nigeria will switch one of Africa’s Africa’s biggest city and population Centre. And trust by Grace of God we will deliver for the good of the masses of this country.
I therefore, welcome you to this conference and implore us all to maximize the opportunity.
This is Lagos.
To God in Heaven be all the Glory
