Nigeria’s digital broadcasting journey has hit another major stumbling block as the Association of Licensed Set-Top Box Manufacturers of Nigeria, STBMAN, raised an alarm over what it calls a blatant disregard for due process by the National Broadcasting Commission. The association expressed deep frustration with the commission’s management of the Digital Switch Over project, warning that the current trajectory is not only stalling national progress but also scaring off the local investors who have already poured significant capital into the transition.
In a detailed communication shared with Reports, the chairman of the association, Sir Godfrey Ohuabunwa, pointed out that Nigeria’s conversation regarding the DSO began as far back as 2008. It is a sobering reality that seventeen years later, the country remains stuck in the mud while other African nations—some of whom originally looked to Nigeria for guidance on the process—have long since completed their transitions. The association noted that recent concerns raised by the Independent Broadcasters Association of Nigeria further validate these long-standing grievances.
The core of the dispute lies in the protection of indigenous industry and the rule of law. STBMAN argued that the NBC is currently acting in a way that directly contradicts President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s “Nigeria First” industrial policy. According to the group, there are troubling indications that the commission plans to import hybrid set-top boxes from China. This move is seen as a slap in the face to Nigerian manufacturers who have invested heavily in high-end equipment, technology upgrades, and specialized training for their workforce under the assumption that government policy would remain stable and supportive.
Investors are particularly worried about the legal implications of the commission’s recent actions. Reports indicates that there is a subsisting court order in Suit No. FCT/HC/GAR/CV/442/2024 which the NBC is allegedly undermining. The association emphasized that no government agency should be above the law, and acting against an active court directive sets a dangerous precedent that destroys investor confidence. They warned that if this pattern of behavior continues, they may be forced to initiate contempt proceedings to protect their interests and the integrity of the judiciary.
The association is now looking toward the Presidency for a decisive intervention. They are calling on President Tinubu to direct the NBC to immediately freeze all new licensing, permits, or certifications related to the importation or manufacturing of set-top boxes until the pending legal matters are resolved. The manufacturers maintain that their stance is rooted in a sense of patriotism and a desire to see the DSO program succeed through transparency and collaboration.
Ultimately, the goal is to restore order to a process that has become increasingly fragmented. The manufacturers reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the federal government’s goals but stressed that a successful digital transition is impossible without adhering to the government’s own White Paper on the DSO. For the Nigerian broadcasting industry to move forward, the association believes the government must prioritize local capacity over foreign imports and ensure that the regulatory environment remains fair, legal, and predictable.
