Broadcasting
Reps in Fresh Moves to Force Paytv Operators to Implement Pay-per-View
The House of Representatives has considered the pay-per-view, pay-as-you-go and price reduction for DSTV and other cable satellite operators in the country.
Pay-per-view is a type of pay television or webcast service by which a viewer can purchase events to view via private telecast, while pay-as-you-go is a system in which a person or organization pays for the costs of something when they occur rather than before or afterwards
So there is a renewed interest following the adoption of the reports and recommendation of the Ad hoc Committee on Non–Implementation of Pay–As–You–Go and sudden Increment of Tariffs plan by Broadcast Digital Satellite Service Providers.
Unyime Idem, chairman of the Committee had earlier laid the report before the House and was considered by the House on Wednesday in Abuja.
The House called on the Federal Government as a matter of urgency to expedite action on implementing the content of the National Broadcasting Code and the Nigeria information Policy of 2014.
The House noted that this would trigger healthy competition in the industry, adding that the entertainment industry had a wider spectrum with limitless opportunities for the teeming youths.
The House stated that the visible absence of competitors in the industry was a tacit approval of monopoly of the industry by the present operators.
The House suggested that timely application of government regulatory intervention measures already articulated would revolutionise the industry and meet the people’s yearnings for Pay-as-you-go, Pay-Per-View and price reduction.
According to the recommendation, our extant laws that moderate operations in the industry is to be fine-tuned to meet the 21st- century regulatory laws of the industry that is dynamic as the entertainment industry.
The House noted that the commission that had the power to license and regulate the activities of service providers must also have the power to moderate in the protection of consumers.
The House stated that there was little or nothing a regulator could do if he was handicapped by laws that were not properly tailored to the needs of the society.
According to the reports, price increase and reduction have always been contentious issues for producers and consumers in the business world.
The House also listed the factors responsible for hike in subscription fee as recent increment of VAT by 2.5 per cent by Financial Amendment Act of Jan. 13 2020, the fluctuating foreign exchange rate in the country that affects the cost of content.
Others are: broadcast equipment, experienced hire and technical infrastructure, increase in bouquets for a wider choice, inflation on the cost of production and need to maintain workforce.
They identified the need of not throwing many young Nigerians, who are gainfully employed by pay-tv into the labour market were some necessary indices for price hike.
Broadcasting
Anambra State Government Launches SolutionLens to Drive Transparency and Citizen Engagement
Anambra State Government has launched SolutionLens, a technology-driven platform aimed at enhancing transparency, accountability, and citizen engagement in governance.
The platform, developed through a collaborative effort by the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, the Ministry of Information, and the Anambra State ICT Agency, was unveiled on Thursday, May 15, 2025, at the Solution Innovation District (SID) Building in Awka.
Speaking at the launch, Mrs. Chiamaka Nnake, Honourable Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, described SolutionLens as a democratic tool that simplifies the Open Government Partnership (OGP) process.
She emphasized its role in planning, budgeting, and fostering investor confidence through community-based feedback mechanisms.
In her remarks, Mrs. Ogochukwu Orji, the State Coordinator of OGP, noted that SolutionLens is designed to shine a light on public projects, empowering citizens to ask questions, hold the government accountable, and ensure resources are used for the common good.
Key Features of SolutionLens
Centralized digital hub for government projects
Interactive maps with a user-friendly interface
Live chat feature to connect citizens directly with MDAs
A live demonstration of the platform was conducted, followed by the formal inauguration of MDA focal persons, who will ensure the platform remains updated and responsive.
Participants commended Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, CFR, for this forward-thinking initiative, describing SolutionLens as a game-changer in governance.
The government urged citizens to actively engage with the platform and spread awareness, emphasizing that this initiative will safeguard the integrity and prosperity of Anambra State for generations to come.
Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, has been named among the “50 Most Valuable Personalities (50MVPs) in Nigeria’s Digital Economy 2025,” a prestigious recognition celebrating visionary leadership in technology-driven governance.
Governor Alia’s administration has prioritized digital inclusion and ICT development, introducing groundbreaking initiatives that position Benue State at the forefront of Nigeria’s digital economy. Under his leadership, the government has established three key institutions: the Ministry of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy, the Benue State Digital Infrastructure Company (BDIC), and the Benue State Digital Infrastructure Services Management and Enforcement Agency (BENDISMEA).
Since assuming office, Alia has launched several digital initiatives, including training over 40,000 civil servants in e-governance tools and equipping 10,000 youths with digital skills. Additionally, the government has set up 276 e-commerce hubs across council wards to support local businesses and young entrepreneurs.
The BDIC, a core driver of Benue’s tech transformation, has spearheaded projects in digital financial inclusion, AI education, and broadband expansion. The state has also partnered with the Digital Bridge Institute (DBI) to establish digital training hubs in all local government areas, targeting 23,000 trainees annually.
Alia’s recognition as one of Nigeria’s top digital leaders will be formalized at the West Africa Convergence Conference (WACC) 2025, scheduled for May 22 at The Colosseum, Lagos. The annual event, organized by Knowhow Media, brings together policymakers and innovators shaping Nigeria’s digital future.
Speaking on the selection process, Dr. Sola Afolabi, Chairman of the 2025 Nomination Committee, praised Alia’s contribution, describing his digital initiatives as “transformational steps that set the benchmark for technology-driven governance.”
Previous editions of the 50MVPs in Nigeria’s Digital Economy have honored notable figures such as Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, and NDPC CEO, Dr. Vincent Olatunji.
Governor Alia’s reforms reflect a broader shift towards digital governance in Nigeria, highlighting the potential of technology to drive inclusive economic growth and efficient public administration.
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