By OLADELE ENIOLA and ETINOSA JACOBS

MultiChoice Nigeria says the production of Big Brother Naija (BBNaija) creates over 1,000 direct and indirect jobs annually, with preparations for Season 11 lasting eight months.

The company disclosed this in a statement ahead of Sunday’s premiere of the new season, noting the extensive planning, construction and technical work behind one of Africa’s biggest reality TV productions.

According to MultiChoice, preparations for the 2026 edition began in November 2025, with concept development, design, procurement and construction carried out entirely by Nigerian professionals.

It said the physical transformation of the BBNaija house, from a bare structure to a fully equipped television set, was completed within two months.

The company said the purpose built house in Lagos was fitted with 52 robotic pan tilt zoom (PTZ) cameras, seven handheld cameras, BBC 59 microphones, 36 antenna blades and 19 speakers to provide round the clock coverage of activities inside the house.

It added that the facility, located next to the live television studio, was built to house more than 20 housemates while ensuring seamless camera coverage throughout the competition.

MultiChoice noted that the house undergoes major redesigns each season to improve production quality and enhance audience viewing experience.

It explained that a major redesign introduced in 2024 saw the staircase relocated to the centre of the living room, while the bedrooms were moved upstairs to improve camera sightlines and housemate interactions.

“Every structural modification is guided by production requirements including camera positioning, visibility and natural movement within the house.

“All engineering, civil works, electrical installations, interior decoration and finishing were executed locally, reflecting its commitment to supporting Nigerian talent and businesses.

“The production generated employment opportunities for carpenters, electricians, decorators, civil engineers and other skilled artisans during construction,” it said.

The company said the economic impact goes beyond construction, with hundreds of production personnel hired during the show, including camera operators, technical crews, master control room staff, housekeeping, caterers, task facilitators and other support workers.

It described BBNaija as more than an entertainment programme, saying the annual production had evolved into a homegrown ecosystem that showcased local expertise across multiple sectors.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that season 11 would premiere on Sunday at 7.00 p.m., West Africa Time on Africa Magic Showcase and Africa Magic Family.

The 24-hour live broadcast will be available on DStv Channel 198, GOtv Channel 49 and via DStv Stream. (NAN)

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