The National Broadcasting Commission has outlined new opportunities and responsibilities for Nigerian film producers as the country advances its Digital Switchover programme, describing the transition as a major cultural and economic transformation capable of expanding access to local content and strengthening the creative economy.
Head of the Digital Switchover Office at the NBC, Clementine Usman-Wamba, made this known during a seminar themed, “Film Producers: Building & Sustainability,” organised by the TAMPAM Guild of Editors at the UNILAG Design Studio, University of Lagos, Akoka.
Usman-Wamba said the Digital Switchover goes beyond moving Nigeria’s broadcasting system from analogue to digital technology, explaining that the programme is also designed to create wider access to television services, improve content quality and generate substantial economic opportunities.
According to her presentation, the initiative is targeting universal access through a combination of satellite and internet-based delivery, while encouraging culturally relevant programming across the country.
The NBC said the programme could contribute an estimated N5 trillion to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product, create about 2.7 million jobs by 2030 and unlock revenue opportunities estimated at $100 billion.
One of the major opportunities for film producers, according to the commission, is the NBC’s 60 per cent local content requirement for FreeTV channels.
The policy is expected to significantly increase demand for Nigerian productions, particularly films and programmes produced in Yoruba, Hausa, Igbo and other indigenous languages.
The NBC also said producers would have opportunities to monetise their works through the FreeTV App marketplace using advertising, sponsorships and merchandising.
More than 90 movies are already available on the platform’s Video-on-Demand service, which is presently undergoing free testing. The commission said monetisation features would be introduced at a later stage.
Usman-Wamba also disclosed that the NBC’s ViewTrack audience measurement system would provide producers with real-time information about audience behaviour.
According to the commission, the system has an accuracy level of about 94 per cent and is expected to help producers better understand what viewers watch, when they watch and how they engage with content.
The NBC is also establishing six regional studios in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Enugu, Kano and Benin to support content production closer to local communities.
The commission said the studios would provide more opportunities for filmmakers and other creative professionals outside traditional production centres while encouraging the development of region-specific content.
The NBC said the change is expected to remove encryption barriers, broaden audience reach and reduce distribution costs for content producers.
The NBC said the change is expected to remove encryption barriers, broaden audience reach and reduce distribution costs for content producers.
Usman-Wamba, however, warned that the opportunities presented by digital broadcasting would also come with significant challenges.
She identified piracy, inadequate infrastructure in some rural areas and the need to maintain high production standards in an increasingly competitive digital environment as issues producers must confront.
She urged filmmakers to embrace digital production tools, audience analytics and stronger partnerships with the NBC while viewing their role in the creative industry as part of a broader contribution to national development.
“Producers are at the heart of this journey, and your creativity will define the success of Nigeria’s digital future,” Usman-Wamba said.