General News
MultiChoice Here to Stay– John Ugbe

John Ugbe, managing director and chief executive of Nigeria’s leading payTV provider, MultiChoice believes the country has the market to take in as many providers as possible. Having served previously as MD of MWEB (subsidiary of MultiChoice), Ugbe in this encounter with Nigeria CommunicationsWeek’s Miebi Senge, says MultiChoice is even prepared to invests more in the country to remain dominant. Excepts:
Transformation Agenda for MultiChoice
I came in at a point when the company is transforming and is moving forward. The company has a lot of human capital here in Nigeria and right now we are harnessing all our human and capital resources to move the company forward with a lot of local input. Good enough we have developed contents (locally) and will continue to develop local contents to drive our growth vision. Our vision is to surround our customers with entertainment and that is exactly what we are going to do; to entertain our subscribers even more.
Challenges
Every business in operation (not just in Nigeria) in what ever country encounters challenges uniquely related to that environment. MultiChoice has its businesses spread around quite a few countries across the continent and we can really say there are challenges in every business environment. Of course, there are definitely challenges in Nigeria but like every business our objective is to surmount these challenges and forge ahead. As a matter of fact, we work very closely with our regulator (Nigerian Broadcast Commission, NBC), our publics/stakeholders; and by building those relationships we can surmount any obstacles.
The infrastructure in Nigeria is still evolving and as they develop we also have to build our business taking into consideration those challenges that exist. It is very important that we offer world class service to our highly valued customers even if our operational environment isn’t as it ought to be.
The issue of public power supply comes up very often in our discussions, but such challenges are not just peculiar to us, every other enterprise are also faced with it, and so MultiChoice would take it as one of those challenges that we have to surmount in other to thrive in our operational environment. We do not consider power challenge as insurmountable and it is not by any means peculiar to our business. Other infrastructural challenges are also what every business in the country face.
Local content
We are very proud with the Nigerian Premier League on our SuperSport bouquet. We hope to build and grow on that. We have got a good relationship with other sports in the country as well. Right now, we have a deal with the basketball federation and have actually put the DStv Basketball League on the SuperSport channel. Not only do we sponsor by putting money into the league, we also put the matches on TV and this is a big push for the local basketball league. It has never happened before but it is being watched everywhere now across the continent.
Yes, we have also made quite some investments in this country as our way of providing quality service to our customers. Recently, we added another High Definition (HD) Outside Broadcasting (OB) van. We have built two HD studios to support the local league so you will see more matches live. More simultaneous telecast of matches – we can take matches from even more venues.
On the (local) movie and the sitcoms, we are expanding that and you will see a lot coming from there. Africa Magic channels will grow, so you will see a lot of growth in contents. We have been a partner with the Nollywood industry right from inception.
Local Sponsorship
We would see more from the broadcast perspective and I think one of our sister companies is active in that area so we would see certain sponsorship from local organizations on our platform and we have been able to expose those plans to an international audience. Definitely you will see improvement in that.
Programmes
We will continue to search for best contents out there and we will make sure the contents are available on our platform. We have got America’s Got Talents, Fear Factor and a lot of programmes that are being watched internationally to ensure that our audience does not lag behind.
Value Proposition
We have actually never been a monopoly in this business. What makes us unique is our way of doing business, a very long term business proposition. We are not here for the short haul so we are not a company that is trying to invest today and reap tomorrow. Like the local league we are putting up, we have spent a lot of money to put that content on air. We have been patient, we will continue to find out what our customers want and what we try to do is to provide what our subscribers want and give to them. We’ll continue to make value added investments in this market and perhaps, that is the secret of our continual growth and dominance.
Killing Competition
Our business model is not to kill off competition. In fact, competition is good for the industry. However, in every sphere of human endeavour only the fittest survives. As the media can attest to, there are several payTV operators in the country, but your growth and survival also depends on what you are offering your consumers. This is a payTV so it also means business in the real sense. If you must measure up to international standards, then you have to measure your business with international best practices. The world has contrasted into one global-village, so what takes place say in Europe doesn’t have to take ages (as in the past) to get to Africa. Events are seen real time across the globe as they happen, so if what you’re offering does not measure up to the taste bud of the customers, they would simply switch-off and tune to someone else who is more serious in the business.
Yes, we want to see others grow, but it is up to them to grow their business according to their module. We are working to constantly to keep pace with global standards, because that is what our customers want. The Nigerian customer is highly informed and would not take less value for higher cost.
High cost of MultiChoice
Our costing is relative. Lately, we have developed high-value segmented bouquets to meet family budgets. If you cannot afford the premium bouquet, there is a special one that meets your budget and it comes with same MultiChoice high quality treatment. We are constantly working to meet our customers’ requests to serve them better.
Would Multichoice be listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange?
We work with regulators and stakeholders all the time to see how feasible this is and we work with even the capital market. We must also not forget that even before this discussion our sister company, Mnet was once listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange. There are lots of things to think about when it comes to listing on the stock exchange. Obviously companies would always work with regulators to see what strategy fits that business at that time because it is not every company in the country that will be listed on the stock exchange.
On Corporate Social Investment (CSI)
The plank of our major CSI project is built around education and so we have undertaken to establish MultiChoice Resource Centres, (MRC) and we have rolled out in 201 schools in 21 States across the country.
We have also trained quite a few teachers and I think it is a project that we have been able to see results from and we have also taken a decision to see results from and we have also taken a decision on our own to increase roll out of these resource centres so we can feel more of their impact in the society.
In terms of education, we also try to see how much value we could add in terms of content development. Content is really important, especially concerning what kids are learning? When you teach a kid lets say about tsunami, what does it mean to him? It is not something you go out on the street and see so we have managed and designed a programme working with the ministry of education to build MultiChoice Resource Centres in schools across the country. That gives an opportunity for these kids to see what they are learning and to learn with some of our channels like Discovery which has a lot of contents that actually gives the kids a better experience.
Tackling Unemployment Challenges
First we employ quite a few people directly by ourselves and we also have our supply chains. Our Super Dealer is a strong chain which is a structure we have set up to encourage entrepreneurship. We have people that have built businesses that are supported by our business. We work with them and very closely with banks for funding and these businesses however hire over 2,000 Nigerians to work on business that are driven by our products and services. These are wholly owned Nigerian businesses which we have helped to start up.
Impact of MultiChoice on Local Movie Industry
We have supported Nollywood through training over the years. We have another training scheduled for the first quarter of 2012 where we are going to take people through script writing and production training. This is not something we are just starting; it is something we have always done. We have always had that partnership with the movie industry here. We are also partnering with the Nigeria Copyright Commission (NCC) to create awareness on intellectual property rights because we must be careful. I think the biggest challenge the entire entertainment industry is facing is piracy and that is what is stopping the growth of even our movie industry. So we hold workshops in trying to educate people that intellectual property needs to be respected because that is how the new Nigeria music industry and the movie would be sustained. If piracy is not controlled, that industry would collapse and that industry has quite a lot of people but we have not probably gotten a good feel of the impact and it is a growth industry. It is big everywhere in the world and I think we have the capacity for it to be very big here. For it to succeed here, intellectual property right has to be respected.
Customer Service
We have a well staffed call centre here with very high traffic level that is measured against that of other countries. We consistently come out public. However, customer service is what we continually improve on. We have a lot more dealer designation nationwide so we have taken the service closer to subscribers.
General News
Guinness Nigeria Sustains Growth Momentum in Q4 Amid Market Headwinds

Guinness Nigeria Plc has announced its unaudited financial results for the twelve months ended 30 June 2025, reporting a remarkable turnaround in performance despite a persistently challenging economic environment and an intensely competitive landscape.
The announcement comes in a landmark year for the company, as Guinness Nigeria celebrates 75 years of operations in Nigeria—a testament to the enduring strength of its brands, its people, and its commitment to brewing excellence.
In the period under review, the company delivered strong topline growth, with revenue rising by 65.8% to ₦496.6 billion, up from ₦299.5 billion in the previous year. Gross profit grew by 62.2% to ₦148.3 billion, while operating profit rose by 86.6% to ₦47.4 billion. Most notably, the company returned to profitability with a net profit after tax of ₦16.2 billion, compared to a ₦54.7 billion loss recorded in FY24.
These results reflect Guinness Nigeria’s focused execution of its strategic priorities, disciplined cost management, and the resilience of its people and portfolio.
Commenting on the performance, Prof. Fabian Ajogwu, SAN, Chairman of the Board, said: “This strong turnaround speaks to the quality of leadership, clarity of vision, and strength of governance at Guinness Nigeria.
“As we mark 75 years of doing business in Nigeria, this performance underscores our long-standing resilience and commitment to value creation. The Board remains confident in the company’s long-term strategy and is committed to sustaining this momentum for our shareholders and stakeholders.”
Girish Sharma, Managing Director/CEO, added: “These results reflect our team’s focus, agility, and deep connection with our consumers. We have set a clear ambition—to be one of the best performing, most trusted, and most respected consumer products companies in Nigeria.
“That ambition is driving us to build a high-performance organisation with an entrepreneurial spirit. While the external environment remains dynamic, we are building on this momentum with confidence and purpose.”
Guinness Nigeria remains committed to delivering long-term, sustainable growth while continuing its legacy of enriching lives and communities across the country.
General News
FintechNGR Rejigs Nigeria Fintech Week with Multi-location Model

With the fast-evolving financial technology ecosystem, FintechNGR plans to restructure the model of Nigeria Fintech Week (NFW) coming up between October 7–9, 2025, with a next-level, bold experience and movement uniting over 20,000 multi-industry stakeholders across Africa’s digital landscape.
As part of the restructured model, the event will take place as a multi-location experience, bringing activities to Abuja, Delta, and Enugu, while the main event unfolds at the Landmark Centre in Lagos. This inclusive structure allows for broader access and reflects the national impact of fintech across all geopolitical zones.
Dr. Stanley Jacob, President, Fintech Association of Nigeria, disclosed this at a press conference in Lagos on Wednesday, where the Association officially unveiled the direction for the 8th edition of Nigeria Fintech Week (NFW25), themed “The Fintech Ecosystem Symphony: Orchestrating Nigeria’s Digital Future.” This edition will spotlight how harmonised efforts across government, startups, corporates, and investors can accelerate financial innovation and inclusion across the continent.
According to him, “We’re no longer just an association; we are a movement. NFW25 is where partnerships will be born, sectors will be reimagined, and Nigeria’s digital economy will be orchestrated like a grand symphony.”
Since its inception in 2017, Nigeria Fintech Week has emerged as the continent’s foremost fintech convening – a catalyst for market-shaping conversations, regulatory advancements, and investment deals.
Dr. Jameelah Sharrieff-Ayedun, Vice President and Chair of the Organising Committee, noted that this year’s expansion across multiple cities was designed to enhance accessibility, financial inclusion, and grassroots innovation. “Fintech is no longer for a select few. From the aviation sector to agriculture, from secondary school students to startup founders, this year, everyone has a seat at the table.”
Whether you’re a startup, policymaker, enterprise, student, creative or influencer, developer, or fintech enthusiast, your voice matters in this symphony. As Ms. Uche Uzoebo of SANE puts it, “Even food companies, schools, and churches are now digitizing. NFW25 is where they find solutions and partnerships.”
General News
Unmasking Nigeria’s Food Safety Crisis: A Dual Pathway to Public Health and Global Competitiveness

By Diana Tenebe, COO, Foodstuff Store
Nigeria, often heralded as Africa’s economic powerhouse and most populous nation, is grappling with a silent epidemic that exacts a devastating toll on its citizens and stifles its economic potential: a pervasive food safety crisis. This isn’t merely a matter of occasional discomfort; it’s a grim reality where over 200,000 Nigerians perish annually from foodborne illnesses, inflicting an estimated economic burden of US$3.6 billion each year. The current state of food safety is not just a public health nightmare; it’s a significant impediment to the nation’s economic growth and global trade aspirations, demanding immediate, comprehensive attention.
The challenges plaguing Nigeria’s food supply chain, from farm to fork, are multifaceted and deeply entrenched. Across the vast landscape, inadequate practices, weak enforcement mechanisms, and a widespread lack of awareness among both consumers and food handlers contribute to this grave situation. Unhygienic food handling, poor storage conditions, and the pervasive use of contaminated raw materials are disturbingly common, particularly within the vast informal food sector. This sector, a lifeline for many Nigerians, often operates without the most basic amenities, such as running water, adequate refrigeration, or proper waste disposal. The problem is further compounded by insidious issues like food fraud, deliberate adulteration of products, and the indiscriminate misuse of agrichemicals, leading to numerous documented cases of mass poisonings and tragic deaths across the country. A critical and alarming finding is the glaring absence of an organized system for monitoring food safety issues. This systemic failure means that incidents are often misclassified, under-investigated, and consequently, the true scope of the problem remains obscured.
Beyond the immediate public health ramifications, the ramifications of Nigeria’s weak phytosanitary policies and inadequate regulatory oversight ripple into the international arena, costing the nation millions in lost export revenue. The repeated rejection of Nigerian agricultural products by discerning international markets, including the EU, US, and various Asian countries, due to contamination from pesticides, aflatoxins, and pest infestations, severely limits market access and fundamentally undermines the nation’s agricultural competitiveness. The seven-year EU ban on Nigerian bean exports, initiated in 2015 and costing the country millions, stands as a stark and painful reminder of these systemic failures. It underscores the urgent need for a robust and internationally recognized food safety framework if Nigeria is to truly unlock its agricultural potential on the global stage.
Crucial regulatory bodies like the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), along with policies such as the National Policy on Food Safety (NPFS), are in place to ensure food safety in Nigeria. However, their full effectiveness faces ongoing challenges in implementation and enforcement.
These challenges often stem from overlapping responsibilities, insufficient funding, and a need for greater collaboration among the various agencies. Additionally, current legislation lacks comprehensive traceability requirements, which can make it difficult to identify the origin of contamination and assign accountability. Furthermore, certain traditional cultural practices sometimes present a barrier to the widespread adoption of modern, hygienic food handling standards.
Overcoming these formidable hurdles requires a concerted, multi-pronged strategy. For customers, fostering a culture of food safety is imperative. A pivotal step in addressing this crisis lies in empowering consumers through comprehensive public awareness campaigns and readily accessible food safety education. These initiatives must be presented in simple, digestible formats, perhaps through a “food safety culture toolkit” that demystifies complex information. Education should emphasize the critical importance of personal hygiene, safe food handling, proper storage, and effective preparation practices, all aligned with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) internationally recognized “Five Keys to Safer Food.” Also, promoting the widespread adoption of robust risk assessment and management tools, such as Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) systems, is vital for food businesses of all sizes. This proactive approach can significantly mitigate risks throughout the food production process.
For market competitiveness, elevating standards and enforcement should be the goal. To enhance Nigeria’s global market competitiveness, a strategic focus on strengthening regulatory oversight is paramount. This includes substantial investment in modern testing and quarantine infrastructure, which is essential for meeting stringent international standards. Furthermore, establishing a more coordinated and effective phytosanitary enforcement authority will streamline processes and ensure compliance. By improving these standards, Nigeria can drastically reduce export rejections, enhance its credibility in global trade, and unlock immense opportunities presented by schemes like the UK’s Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS), which offers duty-free access to over 3,000 Nigerian products. Crucially, enacting the comprehensive National Food Safety and Quality Bill is a vital legislative step, along with ensuring greater involvement and capacity building for state and local authorities in food safety enforcement.
By prioritizing food safety, Nigeria stands at a critical juncture where it can not only safeguard the health and well-being of its citizens but also significantly boost its agricultural exports, attract much-needed foreign investment, create sustainable jobs, and ensure overall economic prosperity. This is not merely a regulatory issue; it is a fundamental pillar of national development.
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