Nigeria has officially entered a new era of digital broadcasting with the launch of FreeTV, a free-to-air television platform backed by the Federal Government.
Unveiled on June 17, 2026, the service promises access to more than 100 television channels without the monthly subscription fees associated with traditional pay-TV services.
While FreeTV is being promoted as a platform that will carry over 100 channels, reports indicated that about 57 channels were live at launch, with additional broadcasters expected to join in phases. By June 19, users of the FreeTV app could already access more than 70 channels across news, sports, entertainment, movies, children’s programming and faith-based content.
Here is everything you need to know about the new platform.
What Is FreeTV?
FreeTV is a free-to-air television platform launched by the Federal Government as part of Nigeria’s Digital Switch Over programme.
The service combines digital broadcasting and satellite technology to deliver television channels to viewers across the country without monthly subscription charges.
According to government officials, the platform is expected to grow into a 100-plus-channel service featuring news, sports, entertainment, educational, children’s and faith-based programming.
The launch marks another major step in Nigeria’s transition from analogue television broadcasting to digital broadcasting, a process that has been years in the making.
For many Nigerians, FreeTV offers a simple promise: access to television content without worrying about monthly renewals.
How Nigerians Can Watch FreeTV
One of FreeTV’s biggest attractions is that viewers do not have to pay monthly subscription fees.
However, users will still need the required equipment to access the service.
The platform uses satellite technology to deliver channels across Nigeria. To watch FreeTV, viewers typically need a compatible decoder, a properly installed satellite dish and a television set.
How to Start Watching FreeTV
- Get a compatible FreeTV decoder.
- Install and align a satellite dish.
- Connect the decoder to your television.
- Scan for available channels.
- Start watching without a monthly subscription.
Unlike streaming services, FreeTV does not require a constant internet connection to watch channels after installation.
FreeTV could also be accessed on the Free TV app which is available on android and iOS devices.
The Channels Currently Available on FreeTV
Although FreeTV is expected to eventually carry more than 100 channels, users already have access to a sizeable lineup covering news, sports, entertainment, movies, music, children’s programming and religious content.
News and Current Affairs
Some of the major news and current affairs channels available include:
- NTA
- NTA News 24
- Channels Television
- Arise News
- TVC News
- News Central
- AIT
- TVC
- Trust TV
- Silverbird TV
- Galaxy TV
- MITV
- Oracle TV
- Liberty TV
- DBS
- VOP TV
- Rapid TV
- LN247
The platform also carries several state-owned broadcasters, including Lagos Television (LTV), OSRC TV, Ekiti Television (EKTV), Enugu Television (ETV), Edo Broadcasting Service (EBS), BCOS and Bauchi Television.
Sports
Sports fans can watch:
- NTA Sports 24
- Sporty TV
- Our Sports
- AfroSport
- Afro Soccer
- SuperScreen
Entertainment and Lifestyle
Entertainment remains one of the platform’s strongest categories.
Available channels include:
- Pop Central
- Hip TV
- Soundcity TV
- Spice TV
- Televista
- Temple TV
- Hi-Impact TV
- OnMax
- Spectrum TV
- Monarch TV
- Possibility TV
- Glamour TV
- Quest TV
- Kaftan TV
- Wedding Channel
- Signature TV
Movies and Nollywood
Movie lovers can choose from:
- Our Movies Nolly
- Our Movies Globe
- Saira Movies TV
- WAP TV
- NollyAfrica
- AfroCinema
- Azama TV
Music
Music-focused channels include:
- Our Music
- Soundcity TV
- Hip TV
- Music1
- Kennis Music
Children’s Programming
Younger viewers can enjoy:
- Our Kiddies
- AfroKidz TV
Faith-Based Channels
Religious programming is one of the largest categories on the platform.
Channels include:
- Dove TV
- MFM TV
- Emmanuel TV
- Salvation TV
- LoveWorld XP
- Sunna TV
- Manara TV
- Lumen Christi Catholic TV
- Al-Ansar TV
- Epiphany TV
- Christian Reformed TV
- Glory TV
- Praise TV
- Praiseland TV
- Rhema TV
- Reigners TV
- Sebioba Royal TV
- Rahma TV
- Honour TV
- Impact Africa TV
- Sapientia TV
Regional and Special Interest Channels
FreeTV also features several regional and niche broadcasters, including:
- Jigawa Television (JTV)
- BRTV Maiduguri
- ARTV Kano
- Benue TV
- CRBC
- Kwararafa TV
- ADBN
- Gamji TV
- Al’umma TV
- Branama TV
- Housing TV Africa
- Global TV
- WS TV
- ATN
- TNT Television
- Idea TV
- X2D TV
- Pera Tune TV
- AMN
- BA TV
As of June 19, 2026, 72 channels were accessible through the FreeTV app, with additional broadcasters expected to join the platform in the coming months.
How FreeTV Compares With DStv and GOtv
The biggest difference between FreeTV and traditional pay-TV services is cost. FreeTV does not require monthly subscription payments, while DStv and GOtv operate on subscription plans.
However, pay-TV platforms still have an advantage when it comes to premium sports rights, international movie channels and exclusive content. For viewers mainly interested in local news, entertainment, movies and religious programming, FreeTV could provide enough content to meet their daily viewing needs.
Others may still choose to maintain pay-TV subscriptions for access to premium channels and exclusive sports coverage.
Benefits and Challenges of FreeTV
FreeTV offers several potential benefits. First, it removes monthly subscription costs, making television more affordable for many households.
Second, it expands access to information and entertainment across the country.
Third, it gives local broadcasters a larger platform to reach viewers.
The service could also help promote Nigerian content by providing more exposure for local filmmakers, musicians and television producers. However, the platform also faces challenges.
Public awareness remains relatively low, many viewers are still learning how to access the service, and equipment costs could discourage some households from adopting it. FreeTV will also face strong competition from established pay-TV providers that offer premium sports and exclusive content.
Its long-term success may depend on how quickly it can expand its channel lineup and deliver a reliable viewing experience.
