The Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) has announced its intentions to launch an investigation into Multichoice Nigeria, the parent company of popular satellite television services DStv and GOtv, alongside other digital satellite cable providers.
The investigation, according to the NBC, aims to probe allegations of financial exploitation and unfair practices against Nigerian subscribers, a move that has been widely welcomed by concerned subscribers.
In a decision to initiate this investigation disclosed by Uzoamaka Ogbau, Director of Investigations and Enforcement, NBC, he noted it comes in response to a pre-action notice filed by Mudabuachi Idam, an activist lawyer who has taken up the cause of aggrieved Nigerian subscribers.
The communication from NBC, dated 28th September 2023, and titled: “Cheating, Exploitation and Unfair Practices Demanding Metered DStv, GOtv, Subscribers for Real Time Viewing within 30 Days’, read “The above subject matter refers.
The NBC in receipt of your complaint letter dated 20th September 2023 in respect of the above subject matter. Please, be informed that the complaint will be duly investigated, and the outcome made known to you.”
In September, Idam issued a pre-action notice against both the NBC and Multichoice, citing concerns regarding the allegedly unfair and extortionate trade practices targeting Nigerian users of DStv and Gotc, as well as other digital satellite cable user in Nigeria, giving Multichoice a 30-day ultimatum to re-evaluate the subscription model to allow for metered access.
In response, the NBC had ignited a debate on the necessity of the investigation, given that the allegations have been publicly visible. In a succinct statement, Idam expressed perplexity saying: “Interestingly, the NBC just responded to our letter today,knowledging the receipt of our Pre-Action Notice, and stating that they are investigating our complaint.
“I do not know what part of the complaint requires investigation, whether it is the fact that DStv and GOtv users are being charged arbitrarily that needs to be investigated or that Multi-Choice TV does not charge per viewing.
“However, whatever their investigation entails, we hope that it leads to a reversal of the arbitrary charges, else, we shall not be deterred from approaching the court at the expiration of our notice.”
The investigation by NBC has the potential to bring clarity and resolution to the concerns of Nigerian subscribers who have long raised their voices against what they perceive as unjust subscription practices, who are eagerly awaiting the outcome of the investigation and the subsequent actions that may result from it.
