Senate to probe DSTV over price hike, other issues

The Senate yesterday said it will investigate Multichoice Nigeria, a subsidiary of South African-based Multichoice Africa, owners of DSTV over alleged unwholesome practices, unreasonable subscription hikes across their various bouquets, which have led to growing public complaints and petitions.

Adopting a two-prayer motion moved by Senator Isah Misau (APC Bauchi Central) titled “Concern on Unwholesome Practices by Multichoice Nigeria,” (DSTV), the Senate directed the Committees on Information and Trade and Investment to investigate and consider summoning the Nigeria Broadcasting Commission (NBC) and the Consumer Protection Council (CPC).

The Senate also mandated the Committee on Information to organise a public hearing for all stakeholders including relevant civil societies to foster a way forward.

Senate President Bukola Saraki, noted that “we must play our role to ensure that we protect Nigerians and ensure that the best global practices are what is happening in our own country so I would want the committees as directed to look into the matter particularly to ensure that the CPC played the role they should play in ensuring that the rights of Nigerians are always protected.”

He therefore asked the committees to report back within four weeks.
Misau noted that in the past few years, DSTV has constantly been caught in one litigation after another from aggrieved subscribers, who were dissatisfied with the programming service and unreasonable subscription hikes across their various bouquets.

He explained that the motion is of public interest as football loving Nigerians follow the English Premier League (EPL) on DSTV with the company enjoying the monopoly of broadcast in the country.

The lawmaker explained that the complaints include arbitrary increase in the subscription charges, refusal to adopt the pay as you use model applicable in other climes where Multichoice operates, amongst others.

According to Misau, it is imperative to intervene with a view to addressing the perceived high handedness of the pay TV company.Supporting the motion, Deputy Senate Leader, Ibn Na’Allah said the significance of the motion is to bring to fore that the monopoly being enjoyed by DSTV does not help any growing economy in any country.

“People must not be allowed to take what is not due to them irrespective of where they operate, people must operate within the laws of the country and Nigerians must be protected on the way and manner people operate their business in this country.