STB Manufacturers Fault Nigeria’s Contradictory Policy on DSO Programme

Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja

The Set Top Box Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (STBMAN) has condemned the country’s inconsistent policy on Digital Switch Over (DSO).

At a press briefing in Abuja, STBMAN Chairman, Godfrey Ohuabunwa, expressed worries about the direction of the country’s DSO project.

The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) recently announced the federal government approval of a N10 billion grant to resuscitate the project.

Ohuabunwa blamed the delays in the implementation of the project on corruption and incompetence within the relevant agencies.

He also fumed against NBC’s recent decisions, particularly the transition from previously agreed-upon Set Top Box specifications to a new hybrid Android/DTH model.

He warned that this change could render significant investments by local manufacturers obsolete, as well as contradict the government’s local content policies.

STBMAN also raised alarm about the significant challenges impeding the DSO progress that was originally intended to transition Nigeria from analog to digital broadcasting, following the country’s obligations under the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) protocol.

The initiative, which began with high hopes, aimed to cover all 36 states by June 2017, a target that had repeatedly been missed.

Ohuabunwa, attributed the setbacks to the programmme during the pilot phase in 2015, to misinformation and intervention by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

He noted that the challenges eroded international business partners’ confidence, resulting in only partial coverage in a few states and cities, including Abuja, Lagos, and Port Harcourt, leaving the majority of the country unserviced.

He also excoriated the NBC, which oversees the DSO project, for failing to show the necessary leadership, resulting in wasted investments and growing distrust among both domestic and foreign stakeholders.

He stressed that despite the federal government’s financial support, the project has stalled, with funds either misappropriated or diverted.

STBMAN also expressed concern about the potential financial burden on Nigerian consumers, who would have to purchase new Android-based boxes to transition away from the “Free TV” model that had been promised.

Ohuabunwa, argued that this shift would not only result in economic losses but would also stifle Nigeria’s technological development.

“Unlike previous Presidents, the current one understands and benefits from a technology-driven economy and the benefits that come with it, and will thus support the transition’s completion.

“We are drawing the attention of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the federal government to the planned wrong utilisation of the N10 billion grant by the NBC, which if not halted now may follow in the footsteps of the previous case, which is still pending in court.

“We have taken this step in the firm belief and support that governmental actions are tailored for the good of the people, and for that reason, no sacrifice is too much to make; however, circumstances may compel us to take measures that will salvage our already tainted images from further destruction by actions the NBC, which, despite its numerous assurances, has done little or nothing but subjecting us to ridicule and embarrassment from our business partners, particularly banks and foreign associates,” Ohuabunwa lamented.

 STBMAN urged immediate action by the federal government and also called on the NBC to convene a general stakeholders meeting with key industry players such as the Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria (BON) and the Independent Broadcasting Association of Nigeria (IBAN) to discuss and agree on the next steps.

They also insisted that the existing DSO framework, established by the 2015 Government White Paper be maintained and that no new specifications or licenses be introduced without widespread agreement. The association expressed fear