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 Aduragbemi Omiyale
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has approved the appointment of Mr Julius Omodayo-Owotuga to the board of First Bank of Nigeria Limited as an executive director.
A statement from the company said the appointment of Mr Omodayo-Owotuga became effective on Wednesday, May 13, 2026.
He was appointed to the board of the subsidiary of First Holdco Plc to further strengthen its leadership capacity across strategic finance, governance, risk management, and institutional transformation.
Before now, he served on the board of First Holdco as a non-executive director between 2021 and 2026.
The appointee brings to the board 24 years of experience spanning banking and financial services, infrastructure finance, power, oil & gas, and audit and consulting.
His appointment, according to the notice to the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) Limited, reflects the Bank’s continued commitment to strong governance, disciplined execution, financial resilience, and sustainable long-term growth.
He most recently served as deputy chief executive of Geregu Power Plc, Nigeria’s first listed power generation company, where he played a pivotal role in institutional transformation, governance strengthening, capital market positioning, operational optimisation, and major financing initiatives, including the company’s landmark listing on NGX.
Mr Omodayo-Owotuga previously served as group executive director, Finance & Risk Management at Forte Oil Plc (now Ardova Plc), where he was instrumental in the company’s financial and operational transformation, leading strategic restructuring, capital raising, treasury optimisation, enterprise risk management, and governance improvement initiatives that strengthened long-term shareholder value.
His professional career also includes roles at Africa Finance Corporation, Standard Chartered Bank, KPMG Professional Services and MBC International Bank (Now First Bank Nigeria Limited), providing him with deep experience in institutional finance, treasury management, financial controls, regulatory engagement, and corporate advisory.
Mr Omodayo-Owotuga is a CFA Charter Holder, KPMG-trained Accountant, and a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN), and the Institute of Credit Administration. He is also a member of the Institute of Directors (IoD) Nigeria and a Certified Management Accountant.
He holds a Doctorate in Business Administration, a Master’s in Business Administration and a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting. He is an alumnus of Saïd Business School, University of Oxford, IE Business School, Geneva Business School, and the University of Lagos.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
In recognition of its strategic leadership in advancing the growth and resilience of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), Union Bank of Nigeria Plc has been honoured by the Association of Small Business Owners of Nigeria (ASBON).
The lender was rewarded by the group for its suite of solutions designed to enable business expansion and long-term value creation.
At the Nigeria National SME Business Awards, held recently in Lagos, Union Bank was given the Best SME Growth Banking Initiatives Award for 2025.
The ceremony was organised by ASBON in partnership with the Lagos State government through the Ministry of Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment.
The event convened stakeholders from the public and private sectors to recognise individuals and organisations driving meaningful impact across Nigeria’s SME ecosystem.
Receiving the award on behalf of the bank, its Head of SME Segment, Mr Ayokunnumi Abraham, described the recognition as a strong endorsement of the organisation’s commitment to supporting small and medium-sized businesses.
“We are honoured to receive this recognition, which reflects Union Bank’s continued commitment to helping SMEs grow by making banking simpler, faster, and more accessible.
“Through enhancements to our specialised platforms such as Union360, we have meaningfully reduced the time it takes for businesses to come on board and begin transacting.
“These improvements have shortened onboarding, increased digital adoption among our SME customers, and supported the acquisition of new business clients. Our focus remains on delivering practical solutions that help Nigerian businesses thrive,” he stated.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The stellar contributions of Polaris Bank Limited to youth employment, talent development, and workforce empowerment across Nigeria have not gone unnoticed, as the company was recently recognised at an event in Lagos.
At the 2026 Jobberman Partners’ Convening, the financial institution was bestowed with the Private Sector Champion Award.
The award recognises private sector organisations that have demonstrated exceptional commitment and leadership in advancing youth employability through impactful recruitment initiatives, graduate trainee programmes, executive hiring support, candidate assessment programmes, and strategic partnerships that create sustainable career opportunities for young Nigerians.
Themed From Impact to Action: Collectively Designing the Future of Youth Employment in Nigeria, the convening focused on fostering collaboration between the private sector and other stakeholders to expand access to meaningful employment opportunities and equip young Nigerians with the skills and opportunities required to succeed in an evolving economy.
On the recognition, Jobberman commended Polaris Bank for consistently going beyond transactional partnerships to deliver measurable impact within Nigeria’s employment ecosystem. The renowned recruitment firm described Polaris Bank as a credible and purpose-driven institution committed to advancing youth employability and supporting the future of work in Nigeria.
The Head of Talent Management at Polaris Bank, Ms Cynthia Sanyaolu, reaffirmed the lender’s commitment to empowering young Nigerians and strengthening the nation’s workforce through strategic people-focused initiatives designed to create long-term economic and social impact.
“This recognition reflects Polaris Bank’s unwavering belief in the potential of the Nigerian youths and our commitment to building platforms that enable them to thrive professionally and economically.
“At Polaris Bank, we see talent development and youth empowerment as critical drivers of national growth and sustainable development,” she stated.
Over the years, Polaris Bank has continued to invest in initiatives that promote learning, career growth, workforce inclusion, and economic empowerment.
Through strategic Graduate Trainee recruitment programmes via its flagship Polaris Graduate Intensive Training (PGIT) and Polaris Tech Ignite Training (TechIGNITE), among other talent development initiatives, and collaborative partnerships, the bank remains committed to supporting the next generation of Nigerian professionals while contributing to national development.
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