History of Radio & Television in Nigeria: From Colonial Service to Digital Era

Timeline

• 1932 – Nigerian Broadcasting Service (NBS) created under Post & Telegraphs.
• 1936 – First radio broadcast from Lagos.
• 1959 – Western Nigerian Television (WNTV), Africa’s first TV station, launches in Ibadan.
• 1960 – Independence; NBS becomes NBC (Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation).
• 1962 – Federal Nigerian Television Service (NTS) starts.
• 1977 – Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) consolidates federal radio.
• 1978 – National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) established as regulator.
• 1992 – Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) formed; telecoms liberalisation begins.
• 1990s–2000s – Private radio/TV licences issued (AIT, RayPower, Channels TV, etc.).
• 2000s–present – Digital TV (DTT), satellite (DStv, Startimes), streaming, and mobile-first consumption.

Current Landscape

Radio remains the widest-reaching medium (especially rural). TV dominates urban advertising. The sector is vibrant, pluralistic, and increasingly digital.