Nigerians have applauded the federal government for promptly ordering the management of Dstv to suspend with immediate effect the implementation of its proposed increment in subscription tariffs. They acknowledge it is a step in the right direction and hoped for its sustainability.
Following the massive reactions from Nigerians, the acting chairman of the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC), Armstrong Idachaba and the minister of information and culture Alhaji Lai Mohammed on Tuesday spoke at the national assembly , while briefing members ofanAdHoc committee looking into the hike in tariffs.
Idachaba said ” I want to agree with the committee and call on Dstv to suspend the hike in tariff.
Also, Alhaji Lai Mohammed said he has already signed a code to break the monopoly of Multichoice in Nigeria. He said that “Our amendments to the broadcasting act, will effect the break in the monopoly of Multichoice . Amendments to section 628 of the broadcasting act, is in our broad national interest.”
This new development, NewsEcho understands has excited most Nigerians who said this is a clear evidence that the government is listening and ready to take steps to alleviate the plight of its citizens.
Mr. Innocent Igweilo an Owerri based business man said” the federal Government’s prompt response to the issue is commendable. However, they should take tangible steps to ensure compliance fr om DSTV.”
For Mrs. Agba ” Nigerians have the tendency of losing interest over an issue quickly, especially
when the trend dies. I hope the Government takes this seriously.”
Mr. Ogeoke Emmanuel, an ardent football lover excitedly says” government should break the sporting monopoly enjoyed by DSTV.”
It is worthy to note that for the second time in less than four months Multi-choice have once again announced increment in prices of DSTV and GOTV subscription. It would be recalled that in June the House of Re presentatives have summoned the management of Multi-choice to explain their earlier hike in June. However, in a surprising development Dstv subscribers were informed of an impending increment in September via text messages.
Giving reasons for its upwards review of pricing , Dstv cited factors such as devaluation of currency and need to accommodate the implementation of the new value added tax of 7.5% from 5% by the federal government. The company said it has borne on behalf of its customers the burden of the new Vat policy for one year now.
On August, 21st Dstv had informed its subscribers , that effective from Tuesday 1, September 2020, prices for DSTV and GOTV packages will be adjusted upward as follows, Premium from 16,200 to 18,400, Compact plus from 10,925 to 12, 400, Compact from 6,975 to 7,900. Similarly Gotv Max from 3,280 to 3,600. while prices for Confam, Yanga, Padi, GOTV Joli, GOTV and GOTV lite remain unchanged.
