By
Emmanuel Abiodun
At 8:30 PM on a Saturday, you’ve navigated through the chaotic Lagos traffic, splurged on overpriced suya that packs an unexpectedly spicy punch, and at last made yourself comfortable for the Champions League finale. However, every path forward seems fraught with complications, leaving all choices feeling nonsensical.
Initially, we have PHCN. Regardless of whether you belong to Group A or B, you’re taking a chance that the electricity lasts until the end of the game. This seldom happens. Following that, comes your old generator. Given that fuel prices range from ₦900 to ₦1,000 per liter, maintaining power throughout the match will set you back at least ₦10,000.
Next comes online streaming. Given the high costs of data and Nigeria’s unreliable internet service, you could end up paying upwards of ₦5,000 solely for the experience of having the video buffer precisely when Lamine Yamal takes his final touch before shooting. Factor in the additional charge for watching the event live. This means dealing with these hassles and expenses for what may turn out to be an interrupted three-hour broadcast at best.
Many individuals still fail to grasp this concept: Pay-per-view isn’t merely another form of subscription. Instead, it’s a distinct service wherein audiences shell out a single extra charge to view special live events. Think beyond regular sports games or daytime dramas; think major boxing bouts, critical UFC battles, or rare concert performances. With PPV, payment occurs only once, granting access solely for that event. This platform differs fundamentally from services like Netflix,YouTube,or even DStv’s catch-up feature.
Actually, services such as DSTV do not provide PPV at all. Consider this carefully. Whether you’re tuning into the Champions League final or a major UFC bout, you won’t have to pay more. These events come included with your current subscription fee. There are no concealed fees or extra costs; nothing tricky here. Simply stick to your regular monthly package, ensure a consistent signal, and use whichever energy source you have available for that day.
When individuals exclaim, “Why can’t we have pay-per-view services like those overseas?” they misunderstand the situation. Overseas, pay-per-view events may cost up to $80. In contrast, here, this amount could be nearly half of one’s monthly income. On the other hand, DStv includes similar content within their monthly packages. This represents an incredible deal rather than a deception.
Let’s break down the numbers. A ₦100,000 pay-per-view ticket, which is lower than the typical cost of around $80 (₦130,000), exceeds the amount spent on a DStv subscription for over two to three months or an entire year of GOtv service fees. In a nation where the lowest salary is set at ₦77,000 and most wages hover just above ₦200,000, this price tag isn’t considered premium entry; rather, it amounts to financial self-destruction.
Please disregard any comparisons to the US or UK. There, $80 might just cover a single lunch. Here, it covers meals, transportation, and school fees. The systems vary, as do the wallets.
The reality? Very few people in Nigeria pay for PPV services since they aren’t required to do so. Television access has been facilitated through our Pay-TV offerings. Thus, before criticizing broadcasters, consider where the actual challenge resides. The value of the naira is plummeting, inflation rates are soaring, and incomes remain stagnant. It’s not about accessibility; it’s about affordability.
The next time you feel like logging on to proclaim that Nigeria should have proper pay-per-view services, pause for a moment. Reflect on whether you can actually manage this expense without missing meals for at least fourteen days. Should the response be negative, consider reinstating your standard subscription instead. Turn on your battery-powered fan, and hope for the best from NEPA. In Nigeria, opting for pay-per-view isn’t a necessity; it’s an extravagant choice.
Provided by Syndigate Media Inc. (
Syndigate.info
).
