Digital Switchover: Nigeria calls for Private Investor Partnership
By Salihu Ali, Abuja
The Nigerian government has called for private investors’ partnership in achieving successful and sustainable digital migration of broadcasting in Nigeria and the African continent.
The country’s Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed made the call at the 76th General Assembly of Broadcasting Organizations of Nigeria BON held in Abuja, the nation’s capital.
The broadcasting and digital media convention – Nigeria 2022 brought together media professionals and advertising ecosystems from within Nigeria and beyond to cross-fertilize ideas on the significance of digital switchover of the broadcast industry in Nigeria in conformity with the global best practices.
The minister stressed the need for private investor participation in driving the project.
He said “all over the world, where digital migration had been carried out successfully, they have employed the full participation of the private sector to drive it.
“Recently, the Ministry of Information and culture led other stakeholders to galvanize a funding process from the private sector, which we believe will help to fast track the digitization of other States that we have not reached. The benefits of digitization to the industry players and the public at large are numerous.”
Verified information
The Minister, represented by Ayobami Adewoye, appealed to the media to continue to provide accurate and verified information that will promote the unity of Nigeria and deepen democracy.
“Now that politicking has started as prelude to the 2023 general election, the Media as the fourth estate of the realm must adhere strictly to the rules as stipulated in Nigeria Broadcasting Commission NBC code and other statutes including the newly passed Electoral Act.”
Mohammed also called on the Broadcast Media to help in combating the menace of fake news by disseminating correct information to the public as well as providing the necessary feedback from the public to the government.
The Director General of the NBC, Balarabe Shehu Ilelah, called for synergy amongst stakeholders to promote development.
He urged broadcasters to uphold professionalism and due diligence by not allowing their platforms to be used to promote hate and fake news.
Also, the Chairman Broadcasting Organization of Nigeria BON, John Ugbe, said that the institution is determined to promote Nigeria’s digital environment and build the capacity of professionals.
A round table panel of discussion was also held on accelerating universal delivery of full digital broadcasting to Nigerians.
Nneka Ukachukwu
