The Association of Licensed Set-Top Box Manufacturers of Nigeria has called on the Federal Government to suspend the planned nationwide Digital Switchover (DSO) launch scheduled for 17 June 2026, citing a subsisting court order restraining the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) from proceeding with aspects of the initiative.
In a letter addressed to the Minister of Information and Culture, the association said an interim order issued by the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, on 11 September 2024 remains valid and enforceable.
According to the association, the court had restrained the NBC from taking steps to implement the proposed DSO policy change pending the determination of the substantive suit.
The group further stated that an application filed by the NBC seeking to set aside the order was dismissed by the court in a ruling delivered on 7 July 2025, thereby affirming the continued validity of the interim order.
The chairman of the association, Sir Godfrey Nnamdi Ohuabunwa, warned that any attempt to proceed with the proposed nationwide launch while the order remains in force could amount to a violation of the court’s directive.
“We have respectfully urged the Honourable Minister to advise all relevant stakeholders and broadcasting stations against participating in or endorsing the planned launch until the matter is conclusively determined by the court,” he stated.
The association said it had forwarded a certified true copy of the court ruling to the Ministry of Information and Culture and other stakeholders for guidance and compliance.
The group argued that many Nigerian entrepreneurs invested substantial resources in the set-top box manufacturing sector based on the regulatory framework governing the Digital Switchover programme and could suffer significant economic losses if the process proceeds contrary to existing judicial pronouncements.
The association also appealed to the Federal Government to uphold the rule of law and ensure strict compliance with all court orders relating to the DSO project.
Copies of the correspondence were also sent to key industry stakeholders, including the Independent Broadcasting Association of Nigeria (IBAN) and the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON).
As of press time, there had been no official response from the National Broadcasting Commission regarding the concerns raised by the association.
