General News
MultiChoice Will Win Back EPL, Others -Hundah
MultiChoice Will Win Back EPL, Others -Hundah
Joseph Hundah new managing director of MultiChoice Nigeria Hundah is described as having a solid understanding of Africa and the challenges faced by the media on the continent.
He has a deep knowledge of the Nigeria media landscape, culture and economy having worked in Nigeria in the last 18 months.
The new Multichoice boss has led a revolution in the quality and quantity of uniquely African programming screened by DStv.
Hundah spoke to chike onwuegbuchi and hilary okeke on a wide range of issues.
Multichoice and Rights to English Premiership
First, I would like to correct that misconception that we are a monopoly. Multichoice is not a monopoly because in my view, a monopoly is when you are the sole industry player in any particular industry. Here, there have been other players: Trend TV, My TV and so on. There are lots of other players in the industry. I think by the nature of our dominance in the industry, it gives the impression that we are a monopoly. I think there are more than 10 pay-TV licenses in Nigeria now and some of those licensees are still in operations today. Where I do agree with you is that we are dominant in the market and face competition – that is part of our challenges in this business. That been said, I still maintain that competition is good because through competition, we have become better in what we do, our marketing has improved, our product offering has improved. In the last year since this competition started, our business has doubled in terms of the number of subscribers. It means that we have to focus on other things we can do to make our outfit as you said a dominant player. Competition is a positive thing for the industry, for the consumers, for Nigeria in general. What we are trying to show Nigerians is that we are more than just the Premier League; there is the belief that if you lose the Premier League you are going to collapse but I think consumers are more intelligent than that and I think that they appreciate more content than just the Premier League. I think the Premier League was a big loss for us, something that we are not happy with in terms of losing it. But in terms of it being a fair process – that is perfectly fine. Before we lost the Premier League, there was so much talk about how Multichoice was monopolizing the Premier League, how we had control over it. That was the case and we lost it. Channels are available, you can go and bid for them if you want them and if you get it right, you can get those channels on your bouquet. Our job is to make sure that we have a good relationship with company suppliers; we communicate and market our products properly and tell the people that there are other things that we offer as well. There are news channels; there are educational channels, there are kids channels, there are entertainment channels in terms of movies, comedies, music – I think that is what ultimately makes Multichoice a very strong brand. We cover everything and we cater to various people’s content appreciation. Of course, we will try to win back the Champions league; we will try to win back everything that we have lost. We will put in our best bid and hope that that bid is what is going to get us all those rights back again. Let us see how it goes when the time comes.
Entry Barrier and Cost of Installation
We are thinking about that too. We are thinking about different ways of making it easier for consumers to get the product, first and once they have it, what they can afford. Over the past couple of years, we have introduced new bouquets. Before, we used to have one standard bouquet for N9, 000; now we have others of N4, 300; N2, 500. So, this tells you that we are constantly thinking about that. We have not determined what to do about the starter price but it is top on my mind. I have identified what I need to look into but we are a bit careful about how to go about it; we want to be sure we are going to do something that we can stick to forever. We do not make decisions that we are going to adhere to for just one month and change. It has to be permanent. We are looking into that but I cannot go committing anything beyond that. Like I said, reducing the entry barrier for people to be connected to DSTV is on top of my mind and we are trying to do something about it. We are working on the subscription price. Another project we are carrying out is to extend our reach to different parts of the country. There are some places where we do not have branches, where we do not have a connection with the local possible subscribers and those who are current subscribers. We are planning to extend our reach as far as Maiduguri, Sokoto and those places up-North and getting entrenched in those areas because we are not really entrenched in that part of the country. So, those are the things we are looking at – we are looking at reviewing prices; we are looking at our reach, making sure that our product is acceptable. Now the next step is to look at the starter price – how do we get the starter price down? We have not yet arrived at what we think is the right model to that effect.
Local Content in Programming
Through Mnet, we have done a very good job of trying to increase local content. It is very sensitive; it is about quality, whereby Africans will appreciate it across Africa. We are always working hard to see that people get what they want. Look at what we are doing in terms of the local football league; we have set aside a lot of money for that in terms of coverage and that is what we are looking at in terms of localizing on sports and programmes generally. We are setting up programmes on Mnet, which are built around the ideal of localizing content. We have had shows like Big Brother Nigeria, we have had Idols West Africa, we have had Edge of Paradise; these are programmes that have been made for Mnet, locally. We have now realized that local content is how we are going to appeal to most Nigerians. That is one of our major strengths, and we have a strategy to create more local content both on sports and on general entertainment.
Satellite and Fiber Optics in Service Delivery
Why not! I mean, Multichoice has always been at the forefront of technology. If you look at the kinds of decoders we have introduced into the market – there is the PVR, the Dual View decoder. We are driven by technology and that will never stop. We believe in constantly reinventing ourselves; making ourselves readily available to any new technology that comes along. When fiber optics comes along in Nigeria, the network is properly mapped out, and it reaches every part of the country, we might look into it as a possible medium for delivering our products, whichever form it comes in. It depends on the workability and cost effectiveness of the platform – I mean there is nothing bad about employing the fiber optic option as a way of moving forward.
3G Enabled DSTV Mobile and Other Operators
There is a misconception that it is Multichoice that is partnering with MTN. Let me correct this impression, first, it is a company called Details Nigeria Limited, which is a sister company of Multichoice, that is in partnership with MTN. What Multichoice does here is to help them in terms of platform; help them in terms of sourcing the content that goes on that platform. I know that they are looking into partnering with other service providers. However, I do not have the right information on how far the negotiations have gone, whom they are expecting too and how it is going to work. We have heard that they are holding discussions with service providers but I am not sure exactly who, otherwise, I would have given you that information.
Major Challenges in the Environment
I think the challenges we have are those that every other company has – the issue of power is a big issue. Some of our subscribers ask why they should subscribe when they do not know when they are going to have electric power. Some would like to pay for 6 months in advance but do not know what the power situation is going to be and considering the cost of things today, they cannot have their power generator on all the time. Another is our reach across Nigeria. The country is very vast and the challenge we have is in trying to make sure that we have enough reach across the country and that is something we have been working on. I think these are the biggest challenges we have that are not directly within our own control. Personally, I would like to think that Nigerians like the product; I think they appreciate it; they have supported us over the years and we are very appreciative of that. Also, Nigerians are very good at following technological trends. You know, when you introduce something new, they accept it, absorb it and make use of it; which I think is a very positive thing.
Nigerian Subscribers and Payment Circle
I think the South African situation is very different. First, the South African credit banking system is very good. You find out that majority of subscribers in South Africa pay by debit order, they do not even come to the Multichoice office. All they do is leave instructions for their bankers and payment is made. That is not something that has been fully adopted in Nigeria. But I think times are changing, Nigeria is changing; Nigerians are becoming more aware of the gains of electronic payment. When they fully adopt this mode of payment, you will see it will be much easier for consumers to pay before disconnection. However, as we are trying to expand our reach, we are trying to increase the number of places where consumers can pay so that people would not be put through the inconveniences of going to Multichoice office. Now, we have a situation where you can work into any bank in Nigeria and pay your subscription fees. We are leveraging on various technological advancements to make payment easier for subscribers. We try to tell consumers not to wait until their subscription expires to pay up. We send SMS to subscribers few days before their subscriptions expire. We send messages to their decoders to that effect. But some people still ignore those messages and eventually get disconnected which is rather sad.
Dr. Aminu Maida, executive vice chairman and chief executive officer (EVC/CEO), Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), has has been confirmed as a Special Guest of Honour at this year’s Africa Beacon of ICT Lectures and Awards.
Dr. Aminu Maida, executive vice chairman and chief executive officer, NCC
Africa Beacon of ICT Lectures and Awards, is widely regarded as the most prestigious annual event available in the ICT industry in Nigeria.
The event according Ken Nwogbo, editor-in-chief of Nigeria Communications Week,“is digital transformation edition” will hold on Saturday, May 30, 2026 at the Four Points by Sheraton, Lagos.
Africa’s BoICT Lecture is designed to explore efforts to put Nigeria on the global Information and Communications Technologies map.
It will also to recognise and celebrate organisations and individuals in the ICT and banking industries that have impacted in digital transformation of the economy.
Nwogbo said that Dr. Maida, oversees the regulation, development, and strategic direction of the Nigerian telecommunications industry.
His administration at the NCC, actively drives initiatives to improve telecom consumer experience, enhance infrastructure, and foster collaborations (such as with the Central Bank of Nigeria) to protect citizens from financial fraud
He holds a PhD in Electrical & Electronic Engineering from the University of Bath, UK.
Prior to joining the NCC, he served as the Executive Director, Technology and Operations at the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System Plc (NIBSS).
At NIBSS, Dr. Maida was responsible for spearheading the technical and operational standardization of all devices deployed in the financial system in Nigeria for interoperability.
He led a dynamic team that ensured that all terminals used in the e-payment industry and all devices deployed in Nigeria would accept all cards issued by banks and other licensed card schemes without discrimination.
Prior to his appointment at NIBSS, Maida was the Chief Technical Officer (CTO) at the Nigerian-based FinTech Arca Payments Network and Senior Manager at Cisco Systems, United Kingdom.
As a seasoned technical professional with over 15 years of multi-functional and international experience in FinTech & Telecoms & Enterprise Technology, Dr. Maida between 2010 and 2014, worked as a Network Design Consultant at EE, part of BT Group, and one of the largest mobile communications companies in the UK.
He was also at some point (2006-2010) a System Engineer at Ubiquisys, a leading company in intelligent 3G and LTE small cells, which is now part of Cisco.
Dr. Maida will be joining will join top dignitaries who have graced the event in the past including: Dr. Ernest Ndukwe, former executive vice-chairman, Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC); Engr. Yomi Bolarinwa, former Director-General of National Broadcasting Commission (NBC); Dr. Jean Luc Fort, CEO at OR System France and a specialist in Counterparty Risk; and Professor Chris Nwagboso, Chairman, Knowledge Factory International, United Kingdom.
Others are: Chris Uwaje, chairman, Mobile Software Solutions Ltd; Uche Orji, former managing director/chief executive officer, Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA); Biodun Omoniyi, Managing Director/CEO, VDT Communications; and John Obaro, CEO and founder of Systemspecs; Dr. Isa Pantanmi, former DG, NITDA; Dr. Obadare Peter Adewale, co-founder and COO, Digital Encode Limited; among others.
The highpoint of the BoICT Lecture will be the conferment of awards to companies and individuals for their significant contributions to the growth of technology in Nigeria and indeed Africa.
The event is a five-star event; easily Nigeria’s ICT Oscars.
General News
Pantami, Ex Minister of Communication Withdraws from Gombe APC Governorship Primaries over Alleged Electoral Violations
Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, former minister of Communications and Digital Economy, has withdrawn from the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary election in Gombe State, citing alleged violations of the Electoral Act 2026 and failure by party officials to provide conditions necessary for a credible primary process.
Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami
Pantami announced his withdrawal in a statement issued by Barrister Ibrahim M. Attahir on behalf of the Pantamiyya Movement.
The former minister said his decision followed extensive consultations with stakeholders and careful assessment of developments surrounding the APC direct primaries in the state.
According to the statement, Pantami participated fully in the governorship process out of loyalty to the APC after accepting appeals from party leaders, youths, women groups and other stakeholders urging him to contest for the state’s top seat.
The statement noted that Pantami complied with all party requirements and procedures and was the only governorship aspirant represented at the Peace Accord meeting organised by the Nigeria Police Force, Gombe State Command, on May 14, 2026.
It added that his representative was also the only aspirant’s delegate who signed the peace accord during the event.
Despite this, the Pantamiyya Movement alleged that the APC leadership repeatedly failed to provide critical information relating to the conduct of the direct primaries.
According to the statement, several letters sent by Pantami’s solicitors to relevant organs of the party seeking clarification on procedures, accreditation, collation centres and other operational details were neither acknowledged nor responded to.
“In a democracy, the law must guide the process. Non-compliance with the Electoral Act 2026 and the party guidelines renders the exercise unsafe and illegitimate,” the statement said.
The movement further alleged that no actual election took place during the recent National Assembly direct primaries conducted in Gombe State on May 16 and 18, 2026, claiming that many aspirants were not informed about voting venues, accreditation procedures or collation arrangements before results were announced.
The statement maintained that Pantami’s political strength lies in his grassroots support base, particularly among youths and women, but alleged that ordinary party members were sidelined in the recent primaries.
It also claimed that despite President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s insistence on credible and transparent direct primaries, the directives were allegedly not implemented in Gombe State.
“Prof. Pantami had requested details on the time and place for accreditation of agents and observers, the procedures for accreditation, voting and collation, and the location of collation centres. This information should have been provided to all aspirants without being solicited. As of this moment, nothing has been provided,” the statement added.
Pantami expressed appreciation to supporters, especially youths who reportedly raised funds through crowdfunding to purchase his expression of interest and nomination forms.
The movement disclosed that donations from supporters ranged between ₦5,000 and ₦4 million, with contributors publicly sharing receipts online.
The former minister also thanked women groups, coordinators at ward and local government levels, elders, campaign officials and members of the Campaign Coordinating Committee for their support and loyalty throughout the process.
He urged his supporters to remain calm, peaceful and law-abiding, stressing that democracy must be anchored on the rule of law, peace and security.
The statement added that the Pantamiyya Movement would communicate its next political direction and future plans to supporters and followers across Gombe State and the country in due course.
“All followers, admirers and supporters of Malam Pantami are to remain united for the next alignment and realignment in the political space,” the statement said.
Pantami’s withdrawal is expected to significantly reshape political calculations within the APC ahead of the 2027 governorship election in Gombe State, given his strong support base among youths and grassroots mobilisers.
The U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) has concluded arrangements to deploy U.S.-made wireless infrastructure in Nigeria and other three West African countries.
Donald Trump …..credit..foxbusiness
According to a statement made available by the U.S Embassy, Abuja, U.STDA, disclosed the funding for a feasibility study to install approximately 1,500 turnkey mobile communications base stations for deployment of wireless technology across Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana and Nigeria.
The deployment of American-made mobile base stations, it further stated will address West Africa’s urban-rural connectivity gap and provide millions of West Africans with faster, more reliable mobile access, aimed at supporting economic activity in areas.
The statement reads: “USTDA announced funding for a feasibility study to install approximately 1,500 turnkey mobile communications base stations from Massachusetts-based company Vanu Inc. (Vanu), across Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana and Nigeria.
“USTDA is bringing private sector solutions to unlock widespread, affordable, trusted internet access in off-grid communities across West Africa,” said Thomas R. Hardy, USTDA’s deputy director.
“By helping American companies compete in these critical markets, we are offering an alternative to insecure infrastructure while creating export opportunities that make America more prosperous.”
“USTDA’s assistance will fund the study for Vanu Côte d’Ivoire, which has selected Georgia-based Vernonburg Group LLC to provide U.S. expertise to assess the commercial viability of large-scale deployment and help mobilize financing for implementation.
The study will evaluate existing network infrastructure, analyze market conditions across all four countries, assess legal and regulatory frameworks, and develop a comprehensive financing plan.
The project will generate substantial opportunities to deploy trusted U.S. wireless solutions, network management systems, and other digital infrastructure throughout the project’s implementation.
“The deployment of American-made mobile base stations will address West Africa’s urban-rural connectivity gap and provide millions of West Africans with faster, more reliable mobile access, supporting economic activity in areas that have historically been offline or limited to outdated 2G and 3G networks.
Andrew Beard, CEO of Vanu Inc., said: “Vanu is proud to partner with USTDA to demonstrate how our systems enable mobile network operators in West Africa to deliver broadband Internet and voice services in some of the most economically and operationally challenging markets and prove that connectivity in these markets can be profitable, sustainable and scalable. Building on our pioneering world-first Federal Communications Commission certification of a software radio product, Vanu has developed an ecosystem of American companies to deliver cost-effective systems based on open interfaces and architectures. The USTDA study will help catalyze new investment, expand U.S. exports, and accelerate deployment of trusted, secure digital infrastructure to connect billions of people worldwide.”
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