The Nation Newspaper

Tag: pay

  • Pains of rising pay Tv costs

    The pay Tv subsector of the broadcast industry plays a very critical role in nation building. It does not only provide public information and enlightenment through its rich bouquet content, it is also a veritable vehicle for entertainment. Lucas Ajanaku reports on the challenges of pricing.

    This is not a good time for Nigerian consumer. They earn the hard way and spend the hard way. The current issue is over what it takes to enjoy the services of  pay TV operators.

    Since the new pricing regime started at the begining of this month, there have been reactions to the development. While  some have condemned it, others have justified it.

    MultiChoice communicated the price adjustments, on its DStv platform, to its customers directly via a text message, which stated that it would take effect from August 1. It is almost becoming a tradition of the company to hike tariffs yearly and  this was witnessed in 2013, 2015 and last year.

    Under the new deal,  DStv Premium package now attracts N15, 800 as against the previous rate of N14, 700. DStv Compact Plus customers, said the company, are now to pay N10, 650 instead of N9, 900, Compact subscribers, who were until this month paid N6, 500, would now be paying N6, 800. In the same way, prices on its DStv Family and Access packages have been raised to N4, 000 and N2, 000 respectively, as opposed to N3, 800 and N1, 900 that were initially being paid.

    Though, there has not been any official statement, the South African firm replied to an online enquiry through its Twitter Handle, of DStvng. It explained: “The price adjustment was necessitated by the escalating costs to business.”

    These, it said, include satellite costs, maintenance of network, channel and operational costs.

    It added: “The DStv cost structure has marketing costs and channel costs. We have however managed to restrict the price adjustment as much as possible.”

    Investigations showed that the South African PayTV firm has about 11 million subscribers in 50 African countries where it operates. It has about 4 million customers in Nigeria as at last year.

    Though it increased the prices on the digital satellite platform, Multichoice however, slashed the prices on its terrestrial platform, GOtv.

    In the various messages sent to subscribers, those on GOtv Max package would enjoy a price slash from N3, 800 to N3, 200, while the prices on GOtv Plus, GOtv Value and GOtv Lite packages remain fixed at N1, 900, N1, 250 and N400 respectively.

    To many subscribers, it is like a red rag to a bull.  A subscriber who gave her name simply as Esther, a civil servant, said, her anger is for two reasons. “I have two reasons for being angry over the hike. One is the way it is being justified in comparison with what is obtainable in other climes.

    “Another reason is the fact that our people have suddenly become stereotype to think and pitch their tent only with a monopolist when we have other operators in the market that can match them content for content, that provides same content at cheaper pocket friendly rates,” she said.

    She said her believe is that if truly pay the Tv firm was consumer-friendly, its wouldn’t have gone ahead to increase tariff at this time, considering the harsh economic realities and the fact that over the years, it has taken advantaage of the fact  the peoples’enthusiasm and commitment to grow the entertainment sector.

    Another subscriber, CEO, Greenstar Line, a firm of clearing and forwardig agents, Mr Temitope Akindele,  said while not trying to argue for, or against whether pay TV rates in Nigeria are the highest in the world, he disagrees with the plea that Nigerians must show understanding and abide by the new payment regime simply because MultiChoice increased prices in all the countries it operates.

    “I take this position because of the varying capital income in countries. For instance, if DStv Premium subscribers in South Africa are paying N15, 000 and the company decides to peg it down to N15, 000 in Nigeria, it is unfair treatment. First, there may be urgent need for the company to compare the ability for Nigeria to pay the money. Critically speaking, between South Africa and Nigeria, per capital income is around ratio 10-1. This implies that capital income is higher in South Africa than Nigeria,” he said.

    While agreeing that the country lacks infrastructure, he nonetheless beleives some things still cheap when  compared to other countries. “That is why it is easy for people to come to Nigeria with few foreign currencies and buy a lot. The import of this is that service providers and manufacturers of goods must align their prices with the local economic realities. Some companies are doing so, while some are not,” he said.

    Another subscriber, who gave his name simply as Mr Kolawole,  said much as he wouldn’t want to bring in competition into the matter, there is need to look at other options.

    Increasingly, the option of the average pay TV subscriber is growing by the day and aspirational Nigerians who want to up their content consumption would get more value for their money

    Nigeria companies offering pay TV series have access to an ever growing subscriber base which offers pay-television companies huge potential for lucrative business, there are millions of households within the various economic strata that have huge appetites for programmes, giving viewers alternatives to monotonous, limited programmes on the country’s free-to-air television.

    On the surface, the country represents a pay-television investor’s paradise. But somewhat curiously, the sector is notorious for its high mortality rate, leaving its cemetery with corpses such as those of CTL, FSTV, DAARSAT, HiTV and others.

    The most notable escapees of the fate that befell these players are MultiChoice and the Chinese-owned StarTimes. MultiChoice launched in Nigeria in 1993 with DStv. In 2011, the same company added a down market platform, GOtv. StarTimes, also a down market offering, launched in 2010. It added an up market variant, Starsat, in 2015 and both have remained in business albeit with different levels of success.

    The high mortality rate, however, has not discouraged other players from trying out their luck in the market. Currently, there are two new entrants-Kwese TV, owned by Strive Masiyiwa, the Zimbabwean investor behind Econet Wireless, the first telecoms company to launch in Nigeria; and TSTv, fronted by Bright Echefu, a young Nigerian medical doctor.

    Each of the new entrants, in different ways, has advertised its intention to change the pay-television game. What each means, but has left expressly unstated, is that it wants the crown that has adorned the head of MultiChoice and StarTimes as pre-eminent and most enduring market players. But in a free market, there will always be  alternatives to an insensitive player to forestall unnecessary rip-off.

    When Kwesé announced the launch of its entertainment and sports television network Kwese TV in Lagos, on October 19 last year, the news was everywhere. The company had come with the ‘pay-as-you-watch’ subscription packages for premium programming which enables consumers to purchase three and seven day subscriptions at N990 and N1,850 respectively, as well as a 30-day subscription option for only N6,275 as these rates are beyond the reach of an average Nigerian.

    If  Kwesé not considered mature enough to assuage the thirst for Pay TV service, StarTimes could readily fill the spot.  Just recently, StarTimes added foru exciting new channels to their bouquet; Ebony life, Fox, Nollywood Plus and ST Kids.

    In addition to this, StarTimes, as a company that is conscious of the economic realities of Nigeria is equally planning to reduce subscription prices of its bouquet as part of their core values to make entertainment affordable for every homes. If they do this, it may be the end of monopoly in the market as the decision may further compel many Pay TV patrons to pitch their tent with the firm.

    Also, StarTimes open month is between August 1 and 31 while its subscribers (Active or non- Active) will have access to all the new channels including Ebony Life TV, ST Nollywood, Fox and ST Kids.

    From any angle one chooses to look at it, only thorough competition supported by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) can break the seemingly monopolistic practice in the pay Tv sub-sector of the broadcast industry.

     

  • Pay our 36 months arrears, steel pensioners tell Fed Govt

    About 2,000 retirees of the Federal Government Inland Steel Rolling Mills, comprising Osogbo, Katsina and Jos, have appealed to the Federal Government to settle their 36 months arrears of pension owed them.

    The arrears cover January 2011 to December 2013, according to a statement endorsed by Comrade Rotimi Aiyedun and Alhaji Fatai Oladepo, chairman and secretary of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (Osogbo Steel Sectoral Group).

    The union also appealed to the government to settle the pension of its late members whose next of kins (NoKs) have completed and submitted relevant documents to the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD) since November 2016.

    They lamented that non-payment of their pension arrears had caused untold hardship to their families  with someof them dying because of lack of money to take care of themselves or buy necessary drugs.

    The retirees said  they were happy in November 2016 when the NoKs of the deceased pensioners were invited to submit relevant documents, including Letters of Administration to Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate in Abuja. They, however, lamented that the hope was dashed when no money came from the government.

    “Sadly enough, some of the NoKs obtained loans to process their letters of administration through lawyers and their transportation with accommodation in Abuja for the verification in November 2016 with the hope of settling them in a short while.

    “We also wish to recall that after the nationwide biometric verification of 2016 and 2017 of all federal pensioners, we all believed that payment would come shortly after as promised by the Executive Secretary of  PTAD.

    “This prompted some of our members to obtain loans from different sources to settle their critical needs, including rents and school fees. By now, the accrued interest have almost consumed their anticipated arrears.”

    The pensioners lamented that more than 50 of its members across the three Rolling Mills  have died in the last two years as a result of inadequate medical care due to lack of fund while some of the children of the deceased had since dropped out of school due to lack of fund to continue with their education.

    The pensioners, however, commended President Muhammadu Buhari for the regular payment of pension through PTAD since he assumed office.

  • Niger, Benin pay Fed Govt N19 billion for electricity

    Niger, Benin pay Fed Govt N19 billion for electricity

    The  Federal Government has received $64.63 million, about  (N19.7 billion) from Niger and Benin Republics as payment for electricity supplied to them, the Minister of Power Works and Housing, Raji Babatunde Fashola, said yesterday.

    He said, the Nigeria Electricity Bulk Trading Company (NBET) is expected to work out the modalities before onward distribution of the fund to the Electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos).

    He spoke at the 21st Monthly Power Sector Ministerial /Stakeholders meeting in Asaba, Delta State. It was hosted by Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC).

    The minister had earlier commissioned the 215MVA Asaba sub-station transformer, which, he said, will reduce the incidence of load shedding in the area.

    But speaking in the meeting, Fashola said: “I have some good news for you as well. Some money has come in form the power we sell to Benin Republic and Niger Republic; people wonder why this is so. They are a product of treaties and agreements.

    “They also help our own economy.  So we have a total of $64,630,055 that has been recovered. So, NBET will work out the modality for distribution. And hopefully by next month, you too, should be able to report that you have received an alert.”

    The minister also announced that the Federal Executive Council had approved to resolve a meter contract dispute that it entered with a contractor since 2003, but the government’s approval last Thursday resulted in a court settle which implies that the contractor can now have N37billion plus the interest that accrued over the time for provision of meters to the DisCos.

    Fashola  urged interested DisCos to liaise with the ministry and contractor for supply of meters to their customers, adding that the deal is strictly between the contractor and the power firm while the ministry is only to make the facilitation with the meter supplier.

    He however urged the parties to note that the agreements will reach on meter supply will be subject to the regulation that the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) is about to present.

    He said: “But on a progressive note, I am also happy to report that the approval by the Federal Executive Council to resolve a meter contract dispute entered into since 2003, has now culminated in a court settlement that was concluded November 9.

  • FG to enforce ‘No work, No pay’ rule

    FG to enforce ‘No work, No pay’ rule

    The Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, on Wednesday said that henceforth the government will enforce the ‘No work, No pay’ rule.
    Briefing State House correspondences at the end of FEC, he said that the law is still subsisting.
    Noting that the International Labour Organization convention are subject to local laws of countries, he said that ILO also specified strict punishment for workers that go on strike, especially bordering on essential services.
    END (Details Later)

  • Driver arraigned for ‘failing to pay after wining and dining’

    A driver, Sunday Lawal, who allegedly obtained three bottles of Hennessy and food valued at N75,000 from a bar attendant under false pretences, has been arraigned at an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court, Lagos.

    The accused, 33, who lives at Bola Ajibola Street, Ikeja, Lagos is standing trial on a two-count charge of obtaining under false pretences and breach of peace.

    He pleaded not guilty.

    The prosecutor, Raji Akeem, told the court that the accused committed the offences on July 9, at Royal Club, Oba Akran Avenue, Ikeja.

    He said the accused fraudulently obtained three bottles of Hennessy and food for himself and his friends at the club on the pretext that payment would be made after eating and drinking.

    Akeem said the complainant, Oluwaseyi Joseph, alleged that when he approached the accused and his friends to pay after eating, they started giving flimsy excuses.

    The prosecutor said the accused claimed there was a problem with his ATM card and he did not have enough money to pay for the drinks and food.

    He said Joseph told his manager that the accused and his friends refused to pay their bill.

    Akeem said the manager notified the police, who arrested Lawal and took him to the station for questioning.

    The offences contravene sections 166 and 314 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

    The Magistrate, Mr. T.O Shomade, granted the accused bail at N50,000 with one surety in like sum.

    He adjourned the case till August 9 for mention.

  • Pensioners hail govt for releasing N740b to pay arrears

    Pensioners hail govt for releasing N740b to pay arrears

    The Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) has lauded the Federal Government for releasing N740 billion for the settlement of outstanding pension liabilities and promotion arrears of federal workers.

    It asked its members nationwide to take advantage of the voter registration exercise and equip themselves with voter cards to enable them vote out politicians, who have displayed anti-worker and anti-pensioners tendencies during the 2019 elections.

    In a statement issued in Abuja by its General Secretary, Actor Zal, the union said the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD)) has assured that all pension arrears will soon be liquidated by the government and appeal to its members nationwide to exercise a little more patience.

    The union said the government will facilitate the payment of entitlements in due course through the treasury bills and bonds.

    According to the statement, payments of the arrears of 33 per cent pension increase (18 months for civilian pensioners and 39 months for police pensioners) as well as the arrears of gratuities that were owed pensioners since 2001 will also be liquidated.

    The statement added: “PTAD will equally commence the verification of pensioners from the Southwest and Northcentral zones within a few weeks from now. The dates and venues of the exercise will be announced as soon as funds are released through print and electronic media by PTAD accordingly.”

    It said the union was appreciative “of the efforts of the Chairman, House Committee on Pension, Hon. Hassan Shekarau and the Executive Secretary of PTAD, Mrs. Sharon Ikeazor, for their frantic and unshakeable efforts in this regard. We call on them and all other well-meaning Nigerians to join hands with the Federal Government to ensure that this payment is done without further delay so as to assuage the pains and sufferings of our senior citizens, who had worked selflessly for a greater and indivisible Nigeria.

    “May we equally use this medium to direct all our members from the states, LGAs and parastatals across the country to take advantage of the on-going voters registration exercise towards equipping themselves with voter cards in readiness for the 2019 general election so as to cast their votes for those who have been treating them fairly and against those who have been treating them with disdain and levity.”

  • Don’t borrow for states to pay salaries

    *Labour cautions Fed Govt.

    Labour has opposed the Federal Government’s idea to borrow  for states to pay salaries, especially when the governor’s are yet to account for the bailout fund and Paris Club refund.

    President of the United Labour Congress (ULC), Comrade Joe Ajaero, who addressed reporters in Geneva, Switzerland, lamented that many governors have refused to pay workers’ salaries.

    He said it was particularly surprising and sad that after collecting the bailout and money from the Paris club refund, many of them were still unable to pay salaries and pensions.

    He reiterated that borrowing for the states to pay salaries is no solution to the problem.

    Ajaero said: “It is always a sad thing when you keep hearing that workers in the public sector are not being paid, including pensioners who are owed for nine to ten months.

    “Now, you will begin to ask if there are unions in those areas to compel governors to pay workers’ salaries because they create the wealth.

    “Now with the Paris club refund; it is sad that we are still talking about unpaid salaries. Let me say that ULC is worried about it and we were able to push for it in some states. We are committed to partnering the NLC and TUC to see how to move the struggle forward and ensure workers, who work so hard, get their salaries.

    “I don’t think if the Paris club money was given to governors, and it was not judiciously used, the next option is to borrow to give this same people. That will be clearly wrong.

    “ULC is not subscribing to Nigeria taking loan to give to governors to pay workers’ salaries, especially when they have not accounted for the previous money. Even at the sectorial level, the ULC cannot move into any sector if they are not invited because there is demarcation in union practice.”

  • Sunshine must pay me! – Samad Kadiri hits out at former club

    Sunshine must pay me! – Samad Kadiri hits out at former club

    Due to unpaid wages and bonuses, Samad Kadiri is filled with rage after exiting Sunshine Stars.

    “I was told to leave Sunshine Stars after the first round of this season but I am thankful to God that I’ve gotten a new club,” Kadiri told Goal.

    “Regardless of what may have happened in the past, I still want to wish them well but I want them to pay me the wages they are owing me.

    “They are yet to pay up three months salary and four match bonuses from last season and this term they’ve not paid one month salary and four match bonuses.

    “I’m not just talking but I know that they will regret what they did to me. I didn’t do anything wrong while at Sunshine Stars so they must pay for what they’ve done to me. I want to make so much impact at my new club, Lobi Stars so that Sunshine Stars will realise what they’ve missed.”

  • Doctors reject harmonised pay with nurses, others

    Doctors reject harmonised pay with nurses, others

    The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has called on the Federal Government to shelve its planned harmonisation of salaries of health workers in the country.

    The association’s position is contained in a communiqué issued by President of NMA, Mike Ogirima, yesterday at the end of the 57th Annual General Meeting and Delegates Conference of the association, in Calabar, from April 24 to 29.

    It noted that although health workers faced many hazards in the discharge of their duties, their output could not be compared to doctors who performed the bulk of the medical services.

    “There is an attempt to harmonise the salaries and the Federal Ministry of Health is at the lead of that attempt, which is currently causing a lot of disharmony in the health sector.

    “Medical doctors are highly skilled and few in the country. The cut-off mark for medical students now is 280 and above. Everybody wants to accept that title of doctor in the medical set up and we are not against that.

    “What we are against is the fact that everybody cannot be equated to be equal. In the animal kingdom, all animals are equal; but some are more equal than others,” it said.

    The association said it was not against moves to enhance the welfare of other health workers, but insisted that relativity should be maintained.

    “We are not saying that the welfare of other medical workers should not be taken care of, but that relativity should be maintained when we talk of salaries of health workers in the hospitals.

    “The NMA is calling on government to evaluate different professionals in the health sector and audit the output they put at work.

    “With that, there will be more objective data and statistics to buttress our point, asking for maintenance of the relativity,” it added.

    The communiqué lamented the deteriorating state of infrastructure in public health institutions across the country and called on governments at all levels to place premium on developing the sector.

    It called on the Federal Government to be proactive by having a strong rapid emergency response team to handle outbreak of diseases, just as it stressed the need to resume local production of vaccines.

    On the outbreak of Cerebral Spinal Meningitis across the country, the NMA condemned the poor handling of the outbreak in some states.

    The NMA ratified the adoption of the association’s seal/stamp for medical practitioners to check quackery in the profession.

  • Abia Poly workers to get Nov pay ‘soon’

    Acting Rector of Abia State Polytechnic, Aba, Prof. Friday Ezionye Eboh said staff of the polytechnic would soon be paid their November 2016 salary. This is even as he has assured that the institution under his watch would not experience any industrial dispute.

    Eboh in a maiden press conference with newsmen at the conference room of the polytechnic  described industrial action as an ill wind that blows anyone in the institution any good.

    According to him, the school since his assumption as the acting rector has saved a lot of monies for the institution through plugging of so many leakages and wastages used by being individuals to siphon monies that were supposed to be remitted into the school’s coffers.

    He said that the current steps taking by his administration was to ensure that there won’t be any breach of the institution’s academic calendar as it were the case in the past.

    “We are here to institute a system that works and outlive us and others that will assume office as the head of the institution. We want to ensure that the students get effective delivery of services which they paid for. It is our resolve that the school get back to winning and glorious ways.”

    The rector said that his administration was exploring other avenues to generate more money for the school in order to compliment the monthly subvention to the school by the state government.