Free Digital TV: I Lost N100M, Prospective Investors Should Be Careful, Dealer
From Muhammad Kabir, Kano
A Dealer of the Free Digital TV, Aminu Nuradeen Amin, has raises the alarm over the recent Federal Government Reintroduction of the Free Television Digital Switch Over, programs, cautioning prospective Investors to be extra careful as he allegedly lost N100 Million in the venture.
Speaking in a released, Monday, Aminu, hints that On 30th October 2019, the Federal Government, through the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), in collaboration with the Kano State Government, Inview, and Gospel Digital Technology, organized a comprehensive training programme for over 440 participants on Free TV installation, activation, and dealership operations, which he participated.
He reminded that, following the training, the Federal Government officially launched the Digital Switch Over (DSO) programme. During the launch, the then Director-General of NBC, Balarabe Shehu Ilelah, assured Nigerians that the platform would revolutionize television broadcasting by providing access to more than 30 local television channels through a modern digital broadcasting system.
Aminu Nuradeen Amin, explained that “encouraged by these assurances and believing in the vision of the programme, many of us invested heavily in the business. Personally, I invested over ₦100 million in equipment and related materials purchased through the approved distribution channels. At the time, the platform carried about 17 channels, and we were assured that additional channels would soon be added.”
“Unfortunately, what followed was a disappointing experience. The promised expansion did not materialize. Repeated complaints by dealers and investors received little attention. At one point, the network went completely off-air for more than six months, leaving subscribers without service and dealers with damaged reputations and unsold inventory.”
He said, “when the service eventually returned, instead of improving, the number of available channels reduced significantly. Today, many dealers and customers continue to struggle with the consequences of those unfulfilled promises.”
“It is therefore surprising that another version of the Free TV initiative has now been launched with fresh promises of delivering up to 100 channels. As of today, however, the number of channels currently available remains far below the figures being advertised.”
“Let me be clear: I support technological advancement, digital broadcasting, and initiatives that genuinely benefit Nigerians. However, any programme that seeks public trust must first address the failures of previous implementations, compensate affected stakeholders where necessary, and provide transparent guarantees before asking investors and dealers to commit their resources again.”
He than the Federal Government to publicly explain what became of the previous DSO investments and commitments, the National Broadcasting Commission and all stakeholders to provide clear operational and commercial guarantees for the new initiative.
And Prospective dealers, distributors, and investors to conduct thorough due diligence before committing their hard-earned resources. Consumer protection and anti-corruption agencies to monitor the implementation of the project to ensure accountability and transparency.
“As someone who suffered substantial financial losses under the previous arrangement, I believe it is my responsibility to speak out and caution others against making investment decisions based solely on promises without verifiable evidence of sustainability.”
“Nigeria deserves a digital broadcasting system that is reliable, transparent, and beneficial to both consumers and investors.
