MultiChoice Nigeria’s new investment in mobile television hits N4.71bn
Multichoice Nigeria, has revealed that its ongoing drive to enhance local skills, technology transfer, use of local manpower and mobile technology in the country has seen it invest $30 million (N4.71billion), into its operations.
John Ugbe, managing director MultiChoice Nigeria made this known during a presentation at the Nigerian – South African Breakfast Meeting in Lagos saying the development of DSTV’s local content would generate employment, improve local technology, enable live coverage of Nigeria Premier League, boxing, marathon and reduce Nigerians’ over reliance on foreign programmes.
Reeling out figures on the company’s investment in Nigeria Managing Director, MultiChoice Nigeria, Ugbe noted that Multichoice also plans to invest $ 54.2 million for its head office in Ikeja.
The DSTV boss further said, the company supported and nurtured the growth of 37 Super Dealers in the country; adding that dealer offices have grown to over 80 pan Nigeria; over 90 channels available to subscribers; 201 MRCs in 21 states at the cost of $1.5million while planning to add over 50 news centres each succeeding year.
‘‘There is a lot of convergence as television is becoming smaller. We see a lot of growth in mobile television, The company recently launched the ‘worker TV’ which is set to hit the Nigerian market in two months.
According to him, one of its channels; Supersport spends N10 million naira weekly to produce Nigerian content, and so far, has invested over $200 million (N31.4 billion) in local content.
MultiChoice is our brand, and we try to push some of our products like the DSTV which runs on high definition, he noted. He continued that: ‘‘In conjunction with MultiChoice Africa, we remain the only company airing the Nigerian Premier and Basketball League. With the local league on air, our hope is for young people to develop interest as the quality of football improves.’’
Also speaking at the event, Foluso Philips, chairman of Nigeria – South African Chamber of Commerce said: ‘‘It is very clear that MultiChoice has made substantial investment in what they are involved in, which is commendable as this development would no doubt create jobs for youths in the country at the same time help ignite the country’s economy for growth.’’
Political Counsellor/Lagos Head, South African High Commission, Thandi Mgxwati used the forum to thank the Nigerian government for the working relationship the commission has enjoyed over the years. While looking forward to a better 2012, Mgxwati called on the public and members of the chamber to freely approach the chamber for all issue aimed at strengthening the relationship between the two countries.
The entry of MultiChoice Africa in Nigeria 18 years ago, stimulated the liberalisation of the broadcast industry in the country, leading to the development of a satellite dish installer industry and the improvement of broadcasting standards.
The company, which was the first to introduce pay television on the continent is listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange as ‘MNET’, Johannesburg and the London Stock Exchange.
Comments
MultiChoice should keep up the good work she is doing.