Broadcasting
Reality TV Landscape in Nigeria: The MultiChoice Impact
By Chigoziem Dike
Conversations around the appropriateness of reality shows in the Nigerian society usually elicit controversy, as different individuals strongly offer their arguments for or against the production and broadcasting of a new season of an existing show or the creation of a new one.
Without a doubt, reality shows are fast gaining acceptance among Nigerian audiences across the various socio-economic classes. A careful observation of the high audience participation recorded for these shows as well as the traction they gain in the mainstream and online media provide enough evidence.
In fact, the emergence of reality shows is not a recent trend. The earliest reality shows in Nigeria can be traced to 2003 when the Nigerian Breweries introduced ‘Gulder Ultimate Search’. This opened a gateway for other fan favourites such as ‘Big Brother Naija’, ‘Nigerian Idol’, amongst others.
However, after the Nigerian economy slipped into recession in 2016 following a recurrent drop in the global price of oil beginning from mid-2014, most of these shows were either suspended or discontinued in line with the economic realities of the country.
On the flip side, the absence of these shows left the Nigerian audience thirsting for their comeback. Regardless of the economic realities of the day, entertainment is considered an integral part of daily life for many Nigerians.
Based on demand and a desire to reinvigorate the reality show landscape in Nigeria, MultiChoice Nigeria announced the second season of the Big Brother Naija (BBNaija) show in 2016, ten years after its first season in 2006.
The show became an instant success attracting millions of viewers both in Nigeria and outside the country. Subsequent editions of the show further confirmed its position as a highly anticipated television show.
According to MultiChoice, the 2020 edition of BBNaija tagged, ‘lockdown’, garnered over 900 million votes for contestants across various platforms. The 2021 edition surpassed it by 300 million votes.
As such, the success of the Big Brother Naija show has reopened a gateway for other reality shows designed to thrill, educate and entertain the Nigerian audience. Some of these include the recently reintroduced ‘Gulder Ultimate Search’ and ‘Nigerian Idol’, Others include the legal reality show ‘Judging Matters’ and the adrenaline pumping and physically intense reality TV show,‘The Rush’,, amongst others.
While some argue that reality shows encourage moral decadence, vanity and profanity; some others argue that the popularity of reality shows in Nigeria spurred by MultiChoice holds more prospects than consequences.
Similarly, reality shows reflect the predominant culture, norms, ideals and conversations in society. It may be safe to argue that society is mirrored on these shows. Likewise, many of these shows are structured to also benefit the audience financially through frequent giveaways.
Regardless of the arguments against reality shows in Nigeria, evidence suggests that the gains far outweigh the negatives of reality shows.
Through the production and promotion of reality shows, MultiChoice is consistently providing the Nigerian audience with valuable entertainment and informative content. For instance, reality shows like ‘The Rush’ revolve around adventurous content and healthy competition to entertain viewers.
Additionally, reality shows have proven to provide a veritable platform for talented individuals. We have witnessed talented acts such as Bisola Aiyeola and Laycon breaking into the entertainment industry to talented chefs like Miyonsea Amosu becoming stronghold brands.
There is no denying the chain of economic impact created by these shows. The Marketing Communications industry has gained immensely in this regard. For example, brands have been spurred to increase their advertising spend to create resonating commercials and secure coveted slots on these shows.
One cannot also ignore how the Nigerian economy stands to benefit from the emergence of entrepreneurs like Mercy Eke , Nengi Hampson, Lilo Aderogba, Dorathy Bachor.
It is safe to say that MultiChoice has ignited a fire that would be hard to quench. Reality shows are here for the long haul. Just like it is generally accepted for a coin to have two sides, critics must accept that reality shows bring more gains than pains.
Dike, a public affairs analyst, writes from Lagos
Mr. Tim Akano, New Horizons Chief Executive Officer, took centre stage at the Nigerian Information Technology Reporters’ Association (NITRA) annual end-of-year meeting on Thursday, December 18, 2025, recounting the company’s remarkable growth and reaffirming free IT training for journalists.
Tim Akano, New Horizons Chief Executive Officer, in a group photograph with NITRA Members
Speaking directly to IT media members at the company’s training facility in Lagos, Akano acknowledged the critical role journalists played in supporting New Horizons during its formative years two decades ago.
He detailed how the firm evolved from a handful of staff to one of Africa’s leading ICT skills training organisations, now employing about 500 staff across multiple training centres nationwide.
Akano Spotlights Youth Training, University Partnerships
Akano highlighted that New Horizons has trained over 500,000 youths, particularly tertiary institution students, equipping them with practical IT skills essential for Nigeria’s digital economy.
He announced recent partnerships with universities, including a new agreement with Afe Babalola University, to scale hands-on training programmes for students.
“This growth would not have been possible without the media’s support in documenting our journey,” Akano stated, pledging continued free IT skills training for media members to remain competitive in the evolving digital landscape.
Reciprocal Support Defines Long-Standing Partnership
The venue hosting the NITRA meeting underscored Akano’s generosity; NITRA Secretary Chidiebere Nwankwo secured the free facility after contacting him—a gesture consistent with New Horizons hosting multiple association events and training IT journalists since its inception 20 years ago.
Participants shared personal testimonies of Akano’s support, including veteran journalist Aaron Ukodie, whose daughter—an Accounting graduate from the University of Johannesburg—received NYSC placement and IT scholarship at New Horizons.
The Guardian’s Yemi Adeyemi recounted Akano accommodating his editor’s child for mandatory IT training after other firms declined.
Members praised Akano’s commitment to human capital development as evidence of deep appreciation for the media community that chronicled New Horizons’ success over two decades.
National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has launched the NIMC Pre-Enrolment Portal to revolutionise the National Identification Number (NIN) enrolment process, enabling applicants within Nigeria and in the Diaspora to capture biodata online prior to biometric verification at enrolment centres.
NIMC
Accessible via penrol.nimc.gov.ng, the platform allows users to fill enrolment forms, schedule appointments, upload supporting documents securely, and manage personal details directly, thereby slashing congestion, minimising wait times, boosting data accuracy and enhancing overall service efficiency at centres nationwide.
NIMC Director-General and CEO, Engr. (Dr) Abisoye Coker-Odusote, spearheaded the initiative as part of the Commission’s technology-driven strategy to fortify institutional performance, aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda that emphasises digital transformation, efficient public service delivery and inclusive national development.
Dr Kayode Adegoke, Head of Corporate Communications, highlighted key benefits including simplified biodata handling, confidential data protection through robust security measures, reduced physical centre visits and heightened operational effectiveness, urging all prospective enrollees to adopt the portal for a faster, citizen-friendly experience.[conversation_history]
The move underscores NIMC’s mandate under the NIMC Act No. 23 of 2007 to manage the National Identity Database, issue NINs and foster a reliable digital identity ecosystem vital for national planning, with users advised to complete pre-enrolment online before heading to selected centres for biometrics.
MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF), a Pan-African film and television training institution, has announced the opening of applications for its 2026 intake.
MultiChoice
The fully funded programme is open to African graduates aspiring to become directors, filmmakers, scriptwriters, producers and storytellers.
According to MultiChoice, the nine-month accredited curriculum combines online learning with intensive in-person training, and is designed to balance theoretical knowledge with practical immersion.
MTF academies are located in Kenya, Nigeria and Zambia, and serve aspiring filmmakers from 14 African countries. Since its inception in 2018, the initiative has trained 296 filmmakers, with graduates producing more than 42 movies aired on DStv, GOtv and Showmax platforms.
Organisers said alumni of the programme have gone on to establish over 50 production companies, while many continue to work within the MultiChoice ecosystem.
Graduates have also won accolades at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards, Kalasha Awards, Uganda Film Festival and Women in Film Awards.
Applications for the 2026 intake close on Feb. 27, 2026. Interested candidates can visit https://apo-opa.co/3XW53oE for programme requirements.
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