The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to the 2017 digital switch over (DSO) deadline.
The minister who spoke while responding to comments made by the Vice-President of StarTimes Group of China, Ms. Zhao Yueqin, who led a delegation of the company on a courtesy visit to the minister in his office in Abuja, welcomed China’s decision to support the country’s transition.
Alhaji Mohammed said the DSO was important to protect broadcast signals from interference and unlock the creative potentials of Nigerians in technology and content development.
“The process of digitalisation is unstoppable and irreversible; it’s not a matter of choice. If we do not follow the world to digitalise and meet the June 2017 target, it means that our telephones, televisions and radios will not be free from interference. As a matter of fact, planet earth today does not know the extent of the dividends of digitalisation and how far it will go.
“Digitalisation is going to affect the way we perceive and understand broadcasting. It will act as a catalyst to unleash the creative potential of our youths. It will also provide the panacea to piracy and create so much possibility that will enable Africa leapfrog and join the next generation of technology,” the minister said.