FG queries why Big Brother Nigeria is produced in S/Africa’ for Nigerians viewers
Indications are emerging that federal government is set to put paid to its evolving local content, patronage policy and buy Nigeria policy as it has directed the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to investigate the circumstances surrounding the reported shooting in South Africa of the ongoing Big Brother Nigeria reality show.
Analysts say if the development is allowed to go on, South Africa may likely sweep away the target gains inherent in the Digital Switch Over (DSO) as it will translate to producing majority of the contents outside the country, and in the process frustrating the acclaimed imports of the scheme.
Industry followers further propounded that whereas the Big Brother Nigeria may or may not be entertaining many Nigerians, South Africa will be raking in the financial gains which is very annoying in all ramifications.
Accordingly, the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has asked the NBC to determine whether Multi-Choice has breached the Nigerian Broadcasting Code in any way, by shooting the show in South Africa, as well as the issue of possible deceit, since the viewing public was never told that the event would be staged outside Nigeria.
In a terse statement released Tuesday, Mohammed said clearly that “As a country of laws, only the outcome of the investigation will determine our next line of action,” stressing that while concerned Nigerians have bombarded his office with calls to complain about what they regard as an anomaly – shooting outside the country a show meant for Nigerians, he urged them to remain calm while the NBC investigates the issue and submits its findings.
