Nigerian free-to-air TV channel STV is to upgrade its offering for kids, tweens and teens via a new content deal with MTV Networks Africa that brings programming from Nickelodeon to STV television viewers throughout Nigeria.

Beginning July 16, Nickelodeon programming will become a daily fixture on STV and will feature for an hour every day Monday to Friday in an after-school block between 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. (Nigeria local time). On Saturdays, Nickelodeon programming will air in the early morning slot between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. (Nigeria local time).

Key shows at launch will include "Dora the Explorer," "Go, Diego, Go!," "Avatar" and "SpongeBob SquarePants."

"We are thrilled to partner with STV to bring Nickelodeon's unique kids' programs to terrestrial viewers in Nigeria," says Alex Okosi, senior vice president and managing director of MTV Networks Africa. "Now, Nigerian kids have a place where they can go to interact with fun, safe and entertaining Nickelodeon characters such as SpongeBob and Dora the Explorer every day."