Why MultiChoice Boycotted Nigeria To Shoot Big Brother Naija In SA

In a statement by Caroline Oghuma, Public Relations Manager at MultiChoice Nigeria, shooting the show in South Africa would enable it have a fully equipped house, which gives them quality production to suit the desires of their audience.

“‎We have a fully equipped house in South Africa, which is used for the Big Brother shows.

“This means that we are able to achieve high production values whilst meeting tight timelines and ensuring the show comes to our viewers on time as planned, and with the same globally renowned quality.

“The house has played host to other Big Brother countries including; the general Big Brother Africa, Mozambique, Angola and now Nigeria,’’ the statement quoted Oghuma as saying.

Recall that the Federal Government on Tuesday directed the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting of the reality programme outside the shores of the country.

The directive which was given by the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, will also determine whether the action of MultiChoice, contravenes any of the country’s law.

“The Minister of Information and Culture has directed the NBC to investigate the circumstances surrounding the reported shooting in South Africa of the ongoing Big Brother Nigeria Reality Show,” the statement signed by Mr. Mohammed’s spokesperson, Segun Adeyemi, said on Tuesday.

“The minister said the NBC should determine whether MultiChoice, by shooting the show in South Africa, has breached the Nigerian Broadcasting Code in any way, as well as the issue of possible deceit, since the viewing public was never told that the event would be staged outside Nigeria.

“As a country of laws, only the outcome of the investigation will determine our next line of action.”

Big Brother Naija debuted in 2006, and afterwards went on a10-year break. The reality TV show which commenced on Sunday, saw 12 contestants live together in a house.

The 11-week contest will see one contestant evicted every Sunday, with the expected to go home with N25 million cash prize and a brand-new Kia Sorento SUV car.

The series will run for 78 days and end on April 9.