How STBMAN, NBC dispute continues to threaten Nigeria’s digital switchover

Nigeria’s long-delayed Digital Switchover (DSO) is facing a critical impasse. A dispute between the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) – the regulator – and signal distributors, represented by STBMAN (Set-Top Box Manufacturers Association of Nigeria), threatens to derail the process and limit access to digital television for millions. At the heart of the conflict are accusations of unfair market practices, unsustainable revenue sharing, and a lack of support for local manufacturers, raising serious questions about the future of broadcasting in Nigeria and the government’s commitment to a successful DSO. ROLAND OGBONNAYA writes

Nigeria’s long-awaited transition to digital television, known as the Digital Switchover (DSO), is once again facing significant hurdles, this time stemming from a bitter dispute between signal distributors – represented by the Set-Top Box Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (STBMAN) – and the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), the country’s broadcasting regulator. The conflict, centred on access to signal carriage and revenue sharing, threatens to derail the entire process and leave millions of Nigerian households without access to free-to-air digital television.

For context, the DSO aims to free up valuable spectrum for other uses, such as mobile broadband, while offering viewers a wider range of channels and improved picture quality. It has been a protracted affair, plagued by delays and political manoeuvring. This latest clash is arguably the most serious yet.

At the heart of the issue lies the role of signal distributors. These companies – including Pinnacle Communications and NTA-TV Enterprises – are responsible for transmitting digital signals to set-top boxes (STBs) in homes across the country. STBMAN, representing the manufacturers of these boxes, argues that the NBC is unfairly favouring these distributors, granting them exclusive access to signal carriage and demanding excessive fees for access.

Specifically, STBMAN alleges that the NBC is effectively creating a monopoly for the existing signal distributors, stifling competition and hindering the growth of the DSO. They claim the current model forces STB manufacturers to rely solely on these distributors, leaving them with little bargaining power and impacting their ability to offer affordable STBs to the public.

“The current structure is unsustainable,” explains a spokesperson for STBMAN, who wished to remain anonymous. “The distributors are charging rates that make it incredibly difficult for us to operate profitably, and ultimately, these costs are passed on to the consumer. We need a more open and competitive market.”

The NBC, however, defends its position, arguing that the signal distributors are vital to the success of the DSO and require adequate funding to maintain and expand their infrastructure. They maintain that the fees charged are reasonable and necessary to cover operational costs and ensure the long-term viability of the digital broadcasting network.

Furthermore, the NBC points to the significant financial burden of the DSO itself. The process is expensive, requiring investment in infrastructure, public awareness campaigns, and subsidies for vulnerable households. The revenue generated from signal carriage fees is, they argue, crucial to recouping these costs and ensuring the DSO doesn’t collapse.

“We are committed to a successful DSO, but it requires a sustainable funding model,” stated a senior NBC official. “The signal distributors have made significant investments, and they need to be compensated fairly. We are working to ensure a balance between affordability for consumers and the financial viability of the entire ecosystem.”

The impasse is already having a tangible impact. The availability of affordable STBs is limited, and the pace of DSO rollout has slowed considerably. Consumers are left in a frustrating position, unable to access the benefits of digital television.

The dispute also raises concerns about the government’s commitment to the DSO. Nigeria missed the international deadline for completing the switchover in 2015, and further delays risk jeopardising the country’s position in the global broadcasting landscape.

Resolving this conflict requires a pragmatic approach from both sides. Several potential solutions have been proposed, including increased competition by allowing more companies to become signal distributors, fostering a more competitive market and driving down costs, revisiting the revenue sharing model to ensure a fairer distribution of income between the NBC, signal distributors, and STB manufacturers.

Others are government intervention by playing a more active role in mediating the dispute and providing clear guidance on the future of the DSO, as well as greater transparency in the financial dealings between the NBC and the signal distributors is essential to build trust and address concerns about fairness.

Ultimately, the success of Nigeria’s Digital Switchover hinges on collaboration and compromise. Without a resolution to this dispute, the dream of a modern, accessible digital broadcasting system for all Nigerians remains frustratingly out of reach.

In the turbulent landscape of Nigeria’s broadcasting industry, a recurring theme has emerged: the unchecked abuse of power and processes by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC). Recent actions taken by the regulator have led stakeholders, particularly the Association of Licensed Set-Top Box Manufacturers of Nigeria (STBMAN), to issue stern warnings and calls for urgent reform. The broadcast industry, a sector with great potential, is now at a crossroads, where a lack of consistency and transparency threatens its growth and sustainability.

The Independent Broadcasters Association of Nigeria (IBAN) has painted a bleak picture of the Digital Switch Over (DSO) process. Nearly two decades after discussions began in 2008, Nigeria is still struggling with stagnation. Countries that once looked to Nigeria as a model for their digital transitions have moved ahead. “While not all of IBAN’s conclusions align with our position, the core issues raised cannot be dismissed,” stated STBMAN’s chairman, Sir Godfrey Ohuabunwa, encapsulating the frustration felt across the sector.

Critics argue that the NBC’s consistent disregard for proper regulatory frameworks and stakeholder collaboration has stifled innovation and local industry. In an era where countries should be effectively transitioning to digital broadcasting, the NBC’s lack of a coherent strategy has raised serious questions about its commitment to the local broadcasting ecosystem. STBMAN’s manifesto outlines three fundamental principles: the protection of local industry, adherence to established government policies like the DSO White Paper, and the unwavering respect for the rule of law.

A central point of contention is the apparent disregard for local manufacturers. Ohuabunwa has expressed disappointment that, rather than supporting domestic production, there is talk of importing hybrid set-top boxes from China. This move is particularly troubling given President Bola Tinubu’s “Nigeria First” policy, which prioritises local manufacturing. “At a time Nigeria seeks to stimulate domestic production, sidelining licensed local manufacturers raises serious concerns about policy coherence and economic priorities,” Ohuabunwa remarked.

The lack of engagement with local investors contradicts the spirit of collaboration necessary for the industry to flourish. Rather than fostering an environment where local manufacturers can operate successfully, the NBC seems to be charting a course that favours importing foreign products, potentially undermining the economic viability of domestic manufacturers.

A key point of contention between STBMAN and the NBC is adherence to the rule of law, particularly concerning a court order linked to case No. FCT/ HC/GAR/CV/442/2024. “The rule of law is not optional. Court orders must be obeyed until set aside,” warned STBMAN, highlighting the imperative for all regulatory bodies to respect judicial decisions.

The NBC’s actions, perceived as undermining this authority, are raising alarm bells for both local and international investors, who could be deterred by an inconsistent commitment to legal frameworks.

Ohuabunwa’s plea to President Tinubu to intervene reflects a desperate attempt to ensure that the NBC aligns its processes with legal and ethical standards. He implored the president to halt all licensing decisions regarding the importation or manufacture of set-top boxes until the matter of the ongoing court case is resolved. This is seen not merely as a legal necessity but as a test of governance and institutional discipline.

The NBC’s inconsistent policies and lack of regard for local manufacturers could have dire consequences for the overall health of Nigeria’s broadcasting industry. As the nation tries to navigate its way out of analogue broadcasting and into the digital future, the implications of mismanagement are considerable. “Nigeria cannot afford to continue on a path of uncertainty in such a critical sector,” Ohuabunwa cautioned, urging a return to a model of governance that prioritises unity and forward momentum.

While advocating for positive change, STBMAN remains committed to upholding the principles of sustainable growth that should underpin Nigeria’s transition to digital broadcasting. With a burgeoning youth population eager for quality and affordable services, the call for action is timely.

In response to the rising criticism, the Director-General of the NBC, Mr Charles Ebuebu, has appealed for collaboration from content owners to enhance the digital landscape. In a ceremony in March 2026, he outlined how the DSO could transform the broadcasting industry, unlocking economic opportunities and fostering a rich cultural narrative. “Without engaging content to populate the channels, the DSO’s success could be incomplete,” he asserted.

Ebuebu’s remarks highlight an important aspect of the DSO process – the necessity of content creators in ensuring a robust digital environment. However, this also raises questions about the NBC’s approach to handling disputes with stakeholders like STBMAN. Collaboration and transparency are pivotal, yet the regulatory approach has been perceived as confrontational rather than cooperative.

Recognising the gravity of the situation, STBMAN’s press release seeks to mobilise a collective effort towards reform. The long-standing issues within the DSO framework are emblematic of broader challenges faced in Nigeria, where regulatory inconsistencies and failures to protect local industries persist. The time for dialogue and constructive engagement is now.

The Nigerian broadcasting sector stands at a critical juncture. The continuous abuse of power and processes by the NBC poses a challenge not only to local manufacturers but to the very fabric of the country’s digital future. As stakeholders rally for the respect of legal frameworks and the empowerment of local industry, it remains crucial for both the government and regulatory bodies to embrace a vision that fosters inclusivity, consistency, and sustainability. Hopefully, lessons learned will lead to a culture of accountability, transparency, and, above all, respect for the rule of law.

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).

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