The Federal Government has unveiled a new satellite pay television, which it affirmed would serve as an alternative to existing ones and satisfy the yearning of Nigerians by giving them value for their money.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Sen. George Akume, made the declaration at the official launch of indigenous Nigerian satellite television, Silver Lake Television (SLTV), at the Shehu Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja, yesterday, noting that the establishment of the outfit is in line with the desire of Nigerians to “reap from the bountiful harvest awaiting investors in the Nigerian economy”.
He commended the management of Metrodigital Limited (owners of the firm) for what he said was their patriotic step in setting up the satellite television, saying: “It is becoming very clear that we are on the right path to our collective recovery and prosperity. This is our country; the only one we can truly call our own and we must fix it by ourselves”.
Represented by his Special Adviser (Technical), Prof. Babatunde Bernard, the SGF said: “In recent times, Nigerians have been yearning for alternatives to Satellite Pay TV that can serve as an alternative to the existing ones. SLTV has responded very loud and clear and from the information made available to me, they are willing to give their fellow compatriots real value for their money in terms of service quality and affordability”.
“Since his ascendancy as the president of Africa’s most populous nation, the President has made enormous policy changes in his quest for economic recovery, one of the results being the reason that we have gathered here today”.
“Nigeria is an opportunity that is impossible to replicate or find elsewhere in any part of the world. The Federal Government wishes to assure the management of SLTV of her full backing as they continue to do legitimate business in the broadcast industry of Nigeria”.
In his remark, the Managing Director of Metrodigital Limited, Dr. Ifeanyi Okafor, lamented that the growth of Pay TV in Nigeria had been hampered by policies and legal frameworks that encouraged monopoly.
He said his firm was, however, encouraged to invest because, according to him, the Government had started to take positive steps to address the issue.
Speaking to newsmen at the ceremony, the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC), Charles Ebuebu, disclosed that the Commission would consider the call by Nigerian pay satellite television subscribers for the introduction of pay-per-view options.
He, however, said that would be re-negotiating the contracts already entered into by the content providers.
Ebuebu assured that the Commission would look into the area of overpricing of content even as he affirmed that the general economic situation in the country affects all sectors of the economy.
