The Senate on Wednesday summoned the Minister of Industries, Trade and lnvestment, Mr. Emeka Enelamah; heads of the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission
and the Consumer Protection Council over alleged unwholesome practices
by Multichoice Nigeria, operators of Digital Satellite Television.
The red chamber also mandated the
Committee on Information to organise a public hearing for all
stakeholders including the civil society on how to protect Nigerian
subscribers.
The recommendations followed a motion moved by Senator lsah Misau, titled, “Concern about unwholesome practices by Multichoice Nigeria (DSTV).”
He noted that Multichoice Nigeria,
a subsidiary of South Africa- based Multichoice Africa, owners of the
DSTV had been known to dominate the Nigerian satellite television
market, thereby enabling it to engage in negative and unhealthy trade
practices.
Misau further noted that in the past few
years, the DSTV had constantly been in the news over one legal battle
or the other with aggrieved subscribers who were dissatisfied with the
programming service and alleged unreasonable subscription hikes across
their various bouquets which had led to growing public complaints and
petitions.
The lawmaker noted that the motion was of public interest, as a lot of football-loving Nigerians following the English Premier League were now at the mercy of DSTV, which is enjoying the monopoly of broadcast in the country
He noted that the complaints included
arbitrary increase in the subscription charges and refusal to adopt the
pay as you use model applicable in other climes where Multichoice
operates.
The firm was also accused of moving major subscribers from low subscription bouquets to high subscription bouquets, poor service delivery and absence of toll-free lines for customers’ complaints amongst others .
He said, “Many concerned Nigerians
are aggrieved and in constant demand to stop DSTV’s arbitrary price
hikes, noting that recent increase in DSTV subscription is outrageous
and totally unacceptable”
In his contribution, the Deputy Senate Leader,
Bala Na’Allah, said, “We have found ourselves in the situation where
certain people position themselves for a business in such a manner
because they have exclusive monopoly.”
He said, “This does not help any growing
economy in any country and I think the moral courage to reverse this
situation in the overall interest of Nigeria rests with this Senate”
The Senate President, Bukola Saraki, said that the motion was beyond the issue of DSTV but about protecting the Nigerians’ rights in the area of services.
He Said, “We must play our role to ensure that we protect Nigerians and ensure that the best global practices are happening in our own country.
“So, I would want the committees as
directed to look into the matter particularly to ensure that the CPC
plays the role they should play in ensuring that the rights of Nigerians are always protected.”
By Sunday Aborisade, Abuja
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