Banking
Subscribers Go Tough On DStv, Call For Better Service
By Dipo Olowookere
Subscribers to DStv service in Abuja have called on the relevant regulatory bodies to check what they described as “inflexible’’ subscription conditions.
The subscribers to the digital cable TV service made the call in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Abuja.
They complained, among other things, about the absence of toll-free lines to reach the company whenever necessary, absence of free-to-air channels, as well as exorbitant subscription rates for bouquets.
The Consumer Protection Council (CPC) had in February issued a directive to MultiChoice Nigeria, owners of DStv, on the need to be flexible on its dealings with subscribers.
Investigations by CPC earlier had confirmed allegations of violations of consumers’ rights leveled against MultiChoice Nigeria in the delivery of its service.
Consequently, it ordered the cable company to, among other things; provide toll-free lines to its subscribers, release free-to-air channels, even when subscription expires and compensate consumers across board for lost viewing time.
The council also observed that the DStv billing system, whereby “billing is not contemporaneous with the provision of service” was not in the best interest of consumers.
It, therefore, ordered MultiChoice to install a billing system that would ensure that billing was commensurate with the provision of service.
However, over six months after the order was given by the CPC, subscribers to DStv service were still agitating for better service experience.
Some of them said that DSTV was yet to comply to the order, alleging it was either the company had “settled the CPC or money has exchanged hands’’.
Martins Asuquo, a civil servant, said there was the need for the cable company to be more sensitive and responsive to the Nigerian market in view of the present economic challenges.
“Our regulatory bodies should call DStv operators to order.
“If it really means well for Nigerians, DStv needs to listen to its customers and make its service affordable and readily accessible.
“If you are having any challenge with the service, you will have to make sure you have enough airtime on your phone before you can contact its customer centre.
“Why can’t they provide toll-free lines for us?
“If they have, let them make such lines readily available to their numerous customers across the country,” he said.
Mr Asuquo said it was annoying that the company always reminded customers to renew their subscription that was yet to expire.
“One will always receive series of calls to be reminded on the need to get prepared for the next subscription.
“This is more disturbing when you realise that you will be yanked off as soon as your subscription expires.”
Another subscriber, Mrs Juliet Ogunyemi said the company had no free-to-air channels, in spite of the huge money they were making from Nigeria.
She added that there was need for the company to list all Nigerian local television stations on its free-to-air channels in all its available bouquets.
“The only free-to air channel I know on DStv for now is CCTV, which is not even our indigenous station.
“I don’t think it will amount to giving too much to Nigerians if DStv increased our free-to-air channels.
“We have remained loyal and consistent to this company over the years, let it reciprocate our loyalty,” Mrs Ogunyemi said.
She added that the company’s service suspension mechanism, on account of being away for some time, was yet to be made efficient.
“If you apply for suspension of service, it normally takes longer than you wanted before they will make it effective.
“This also reduces the duration you are supposed to enjoy your subscription.
“It will be better if a code is devised to enable a subscriber apply for it on his or her mobile device,” she said.
In the same vein, Tijani Atojoko, a sports enthusiast, noted that some popular channels, especially on sports, were not available in certain bouquets of DStv.
“Sport is something almost everyone loves and follows.
“There should be an equitable spread of popular sports and other channels in the bouquets.
“Government should make DStv see reasons to make its service better for us.
“I don’t think this is how they operate in other countries such as South Africa,’’ he said.
Erica Ovuakporoye said since she subscribed to the cable TV, she’s had a nasty experience.
According to her, DSTV is exploitative.
Ovuakporoye said that even after renewing her subscription, she would still be disconnected.
She said the most annoying aspect was that she had to spend her airtime to call DSTV for a problem that was not her making to be rectified.
“It is so annoying and frustrating, the Nigerian Government has to stand up and protect its citizens from the exploitation of these foreign companies,’’ she said.
When NAN contacted Abiodun Obimuyiwa, the Deputy Director of Public Relations of the Consumer council, he said MultiChoice had complied with the order.
“We can confirm that they complied with our order. I am aware that DStv now has a toll-free- line for its subscribers.
“Also, they have also compensated consumers across board for lost viewing time.
“I don’t know why some subscribers are saying they are not aware of these,’’ he said.
Obimuyiwa claimed that that DStv had also a listed a local television channel as its free-to –air channel as stipulated by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC).
“By the NBC provision, a digital TV station is supposed to leave one local TV as its free-to-air channel, and DStv’s free to air is NTA,” he said.
NAN
By Adedapo Adesanya
Top financial services provider in Nigeria, Stanbic IBTC, has reiterated its commitment to empowering businesses, strengthening key sectors and positioning Nigeria as a competitive player in the global economy.
This came on the back of the 2026 edition of the Nigeria Business Summit from Wednesday, April 1 to Thursday, April 2, 2026, at the Landmark Event Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos. The two-day summit brought together industry leaders, policymakers, entrepreneurs and stakeholders across multiple sectors to explore sustainable business practices, foster economic growth and unlock global trade opportunities.
With the theme, Nigeria Means Business: Powering Sectors, Growing Sustainable SMEs & Unlocking Global Trade, the summit addressed critical issues across key sectors, including agribusiness, renewable energy, trade and Africa–China banking, as well as ICT and telecommunications. Additional sessions covered areas such as family business sustainability, artificial intelligence, employee value banking, insurance, pension and wealth management.
The event featured a keynote address by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun, who emphasised the urgent need for Nigeria to reposition itself as a leading export-driven economy to achieve sustained growth.
“Our true potential lies in becoming a leading export economy,” Edun stated. “Increased participation in regional and global trade will be critical to diversifying foreign exchange earnings and driving inclusive growth.”
He noted that while Nigeria’s GDP growth has improved to approximately 4 per cent, it remains below the level required to significantly reduce poverty. According to him, the country’s economic strategy is now shifting from stabilisation to growth acceleration, with trade expansion playing a central role.
Mr Edun highlighted ongoing reforms, including improved foreign reserves, rising non-oil revenues and renewed investor confidence, as indicators of a more resilient economy. However, he stressed that enhancing trade competitiveness would require continued investment in infrastructure, logistics and policy coordination.
He also highlighted the importance of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which account for over 90 per cent of businesses, noting that inclusive growth will depend on stronger collaboration between the public and private sectors.
Participants engaged in a rich line-up of activities, including expert presentations, panel discussions and high-level networking opportunities. Highlights of the summit included the Africa Trade Barometer presentation, client testimonial showcases and insightful discussions on the state of the African economy and intra-African trade opportunities.
Breakout sessions on agribusiness, ICT and healthcare, Africa-China banking and trade, as well as renewable energy, provided attendees with deeper, practical insights into some of the most critical sectors driving Nigeria’s economic future.
Speaking at the event, Mr Chuma Nwokocha, chief executive of Stanbic IBTC Holdings, represented by the organisation’s Chief Finance and Value Management Officer, Mr Kunle Adedeji, emphasised the importance of collaboration and innovation in driving sustainable growth.
“This summit has reinforced the importance of creating platforms where ideas can flourish, and businesses can grow sustainably. By working together, we can unlock new opportunities and drive economic advancement across Nigeria and the African continent,” he said.
The summit also spotlighted practical strategies for integrating sustainability into business operations, encouraging organisations to adopt environmentally conscious practices while maintaining profitability and competitiveness.
Mr Remy Osuagwu, Executive Director, Business & Commercial Banking, expressed satisfaction at the level of interest from participants, a critical element for a successful summit.
“From our conversations on energy and healthcare to the deep dives into trade, Africa-China relations, and agribusiness, Day 1 has offered perspectives that were both insightful and practical. I believe we’re all leaving with a stronger understanding of the opportunities emerging across our industries,” he said.
He acknowledged the level of engagement, questions, contributions and willingness of participants to share experiences, describing this as the real power of the Nigeria Business Summit, and a solid foundation for tomorrow.
The Chief Executive of Stanbic IBTC Bank, Mr Wole Adeniyi, who was represented by Mrs Bunmi Dayo-Olagunju, Deputy Chief Executive of Stanbic IBTC Bank, opened Day Two of the Nigeria Business Summit by highlighting the focus of the summit’s SME Day.
“Today, we build on Day One’s momentum with conversations that are equally critical for the future – from the dynamics of family businesses to the growing influence of artificial intelligence; the evolution of insurance, and the emerging space of electric vehicle banking.”
She further added, “Our goal on Day Two is simple: to explore what’s next. To understand how these developments will shape our businesses and how we can position ourselves ahead of the curve.”
By Dipo Olowookere
Tech enthusiasts interested in participating in the Take on Squad Hackathon, organised by Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO) Plc, can now enter the contest via the official portal at https://squadco.com/hackathon.
The programme enters its third edition in 2026, and the theme for this year is Smart Systems: The Intelligent Economy, according to a statement issued by the organisers.
The hackathon brings together developers, designers and entrepreneurs across Nigeria in a collaborative environment to build practical solutions across key sectors, including financial services, healthcare, commerce and digital inclusion.
Participants are challenged to design and build intelligent, data-driven solutions that transform how communities engage with money.
It is part of the organisation’s commitment to fostering innovation, empowering talent, and supporting the development of technology-driven solutions that address real-world challenges across Africa.
“Today’s dynamic, digitally driven world demands continuous innovation, which is shaping how economies grow, how businesses scale, and how societies evolve.
“Through Take on Squad Hackathon, we are deliberately investing in the ideas and talent that will define the future.
“Our objective is not simply to encourage innovation, but to enable its translation into scalable solutions that deliver real and measurable impact.
“This reflects GTCO’s role as a financial services platform that connects capital, capability, and creativity to drive sustainable progress,” the Managing Director of HabariPay, Ms Eduofon Japhet, stated.
The social coding event remains a cornerstone of HabariPay’s mission to foster creativity and problem-solving among emerging tech talents. Competing teams will leverage Squad’s advanced APIs to create scalable digital tools that address everyday challenges faced by businesses and individuals.
Through initiatives such as this, GTCO continues to position itself at the intersection of finance, technology and enterprise, actively shaping the future of digital transformation in Africa.
By Dipo Olowookere
Banking services will not be interrupted throughout the Easter public holidays, from Friday, April 3, to Monday, April 6, 2026, for any reason, Ecobank Nigeria has assured its customers.
In a message over the weekend, the member of Africa’s leading pan-African banking group, Ecobank Transnational Incorporated, said customers would continue to enjoy quality service delivery during the period.
It noted that its secure and robust digital platforms would remain fully operational to support financial activities during the festive period.
All digital channels, including the Ecobank Mobile App, Ecobank Business App, USSD *326#, Ecobank Online, OmniPlus, Omnilite, EcobankPay, Ecobank Cards, ATMs, PoS terminals, and over 35,000 Ecobank Xpress Point agent locations nationwide, will remain accessible throughout the holiday, the financial institution further said, urging customers to conveniently conduct transactions at any time using this wide range of digital solutions.
Ecobank customers were encouraged to maximise the bank’s alternative channels for transfers, bill payments, airtime purchases, card services, and account management.
They were also advised to stay vigilant by shopping only on trusted websites; avoiding the sharing of PINs, passwords, and one-time passwords (OTPs); refraining from banking on public Wi-Fi networks; being cautious of urgent or emotionally charged messages; and regularly monitoring their account activity.
“Customers will continue to enjoy a full bouquet of services during the holiday, including local and international funds transfers, bill payments, airtime top-ups, merchant payments, balance enquiries, account statements, and cardless cash withdrawals via ATMs,” the Head of Products & Analytics, Consumer & Commercial Banking at Ecobank Nigeria, Mr Victor Yalokwu, stated.
“We understand that festive seasons come with increased financial activity, and our priority is to ensure our customers enjoy fast, reliable, and secure banking wherever they are.
“Our digital channels are designed to support uninterrupted transactions, and we have strengthened our systems to guarantee optimal performance throughout the Easter break,” he added.
Mr Yalokwu noted that, “Ecobank remains committed to providing innovative financial solutions and exceptional customer service. We wish all our customers and partners a peaceful and joyful Easter celebration.”
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