A message circulating on WhatsApp claims that the Federal Government of Nigeria has launched FreeTV nationwide, giving Nigerians access to more than 100 television channels without paying monthly subscription fees.

Some social media users have questioned the claim, asking whether FreeTV is real or simply another viral internet message.

So, did Nigeria actually launch FreeTV nationwide?

VERIFICATION

WABMA Debunker checked the claim.

Our findings show that the claim is TRUE.

On June 17, 2026, the Federal Government launched FreeTV, a national digital television platform under Nigeria’s Digital Switch Over programme. Independent reports from Premium Times, The Guardian and other Nigerian media confirm the launch.

FreeTV is part of Nigeria’s long running transition from analogue television broadcasting to digital broadcasting.

According to the official FreeTV platform, viewers can access more than 100 national, regional and state television channels without paying monthly subscription fees.

The available programming includes news, sports, movies and Nollywood, entertainment, children’s programmes, educational content and regional language channels.

FreeTV says its satellite service provides coverage across all 36 states. The service can also be accessed through terrestrial broadcasting and the FreeTV mobile application.

But there is an important clarification.

FreeTV does not mean that everything required to watch it is provided free of charge.

There are no monthly subscription charges, but television viewers may need compatible reception equipment.

The official FreeTV website lists a free to air DVB S2 decoder, a satellite dish and an LNB among the equipment required for satellite reception. Compatible DVB T2 or DVB S2 decoders may also be used.

In other words, you may have to spend money to get connected, but once properly connected, you do not pay a monthly television subscription.

VERDICT: TRUE

The Federal Government of Nigeria launched FreeTV on June 17, 2026, as part of the country’s Digital Switch Over programme.

The platform offers more than 100 channels without monthly subscription charges and has nationwide satellite coverage.

So, if you received the message saying Nigeria has launched FreeTV nationwide, the central claim is true.

But remember: no monthly subscription does not necessarily mean no cost of equipment or installation.

A viral social media report claims that China plans to close its diplomatic missions in Abuja and Lagos and relocate them to Nike Lake in Enugu and World Bank Road in Owerri. The report further claims that the alleged move is because Igbo people travel to China more frequently than other Nigerians.

But is this claim true?

🔎 WABMA DEBUNKER INVESTIGATES.

In this episode, we examine the viral claim against official Chinese diplomatic records and other credible sources.

Our investigation found no credible evidence that China has announced the closure of its Embassy in Abuja or its Consulate General in Lagos. We also found no verified announcement establishing new Chinese embassies in Enugu or Owerri, or supporting the alleged ethnic explanation for the supposed relocation.

✅ VERDICT: FALSE

The viral claim is unsupported by the official records examined in this investigation. China’s diplomatic missions in Abuja and Lagos remain listed in official Chinese records.

📌 WHY THIS MATTERS

False claims about embassies, visas and international relations can cause unnecessary concern and encourage misinformation. Always check official embassy communications and foreign ministry announcements before sharing sensational reports.

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