The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, says his ministry is working assiduously to unveil a blueprint for the rollout of the digital switchover across the country. 

The minister stated this in Abuja on Monday while declaring the Management Conference and Retreat of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) open, according to his spokesperson Rabiu Ibrahim.

The digital television transition, also called the digital switchover (DSO), the analogue switch/sign-off (ASO), the digital migration, or the analogue shutdown, is the process in which older analogue television broadcasting technology is converted to and replaced by digital television.

“I also want to use this opportunity to restate federal government commitment to the digital switchover (project), as the Ministry of Information and National Orientation is working assiduously for a DSO blueprint that will not fail; that will roll out across urban and rural Nigeria. 

“The NTA, as a key stakeholder in the DSO project, is expected to play a prominent role,” he said. 

Mr Idris challenged the NTA to reflect on the dynamic landscape of the media industry, especially with the advent of new technologies and changing viewer preferences that pose challenges and opportunities.

“Our commitment to excellence and adaptability is paramount. The NTA must continue to evolve, embracing innovation while upholding the highest standards of journalistic integrity,” he said. 

He noted that the signal upgrade of the NTÀ from standard to high definition has an appreciable impact on the viewing experience of public members, adding that this has to be replicated in all NTA stations nationwide to achieve the desired objective. 

According to the minister, President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s social-economic strategy is the most ambitious in the nation’s history. 

Mr Idris also stated that Mr Tinubu’s economic plan aligns with the renewed hope agenda, which he actively advocated throughout the general election campaign in 2023.

The minister, therefore, charged the NTA to strive to rediscover its golden era when its content, especially notable soap operas and drama series, not only defined the TV entertainment space but was always a reason for viewers to rush back home in the evening.