•Aminu Nuruddeen Amin
A Kano-based Free TV dealer, Aminu Nuruddeen Amin, today questioned the federal government’s recent relaunch of the Free TV initiative, warning prospective investors and dealers to exercise caution based on his experience under the previous Digital Switch Over (DSO) programme.
Addressing journalists in Kano, Amin said he invested more than ₦100 million in equipment and related materials after participating in a government-backed training programme in 2019, but claimed the project failed to deliver on its promises.
“Encouraged by the assurances given at the launch, many of us invested heavily in the business. Personally, I invested over ₦100 million,” he said.
According to him, dealers were initially told the platform would provide more than 30 television channels, with additional channels expected after launch. However, he alleged that the expansion never materialised and the service later suffered prolonged disruptions, reports Daily Trust.
“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,” Amin stated.
He expressed surprise over the government’s latest Free TV rollout, which promises up to 100 channels, noting that the number of channels currently available remains below the advertised figure.
“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,” he said.
Amin called on the federal government to explain what became of previous DSO investments and commitments, while urging the National Broadcasting Commission and other stakeholders to provide clear operational and commercial guarantees for the new initiative.
“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,” he added.
He also urged consumer protection and anti-corruption agencies to closely monitor the implementation of the project to ensure transparency and accountability.
