A consumer advocacy group, Save the Consumers, has criticized MultiChoice Nigeria for its recent 21% increase in subscription prices for DStv and GOtv services, describing the move as exploitative and discriminatory. The price adjustment, which took effect on March 1, has sparked outrage among subscribers and renewed calls for regulatory intervention.
Dr. Aliyu Ilias, Executive Director of Save the Consumers, issued a statement on Sunday condemning the hike. He highlighted the disparity between MultiChoice’s pricing strategies in Nigeria and South Africa, where the company recently reduced subscription fees by 38%, added new channels, and introduced enhanced features.
“This double standard, lowering prices in South Africa while increasing them in Nigeria, is indefensible,” Ilias said. “It reflects a disturbing trend of treating Nigerian consumers as second-class subscribers.”
Despite MultiChoice’s justification for the price increase, citing inflation and rising operational costs, Nigerian subscribers continue to report frequent service disruptions and poor customer support. These unresolved issues have further fueled frustrations among customers who feel they are not receiving value for their money.
“MultiChoice claims the hike is necessary to deliver world-class content,” Ilias added. “Yet Nigerian subscribers still face persistent challenges that remain unaddressed. This is unacceptable and shows a lack of respect for Nigerian consumers.”
Breakdown of New Subscription Prices
Under the new pricing structure, DStv Premium subscribers now pay ₦44,500 monthly, up from ₦37,000. Other packages have also seen increases:
DStv Compact Plus: ₦30,000 (previously ₦24,500)
DStv Compact: ₦16,000 (previously ₦15,700)
DStv Confam: ₦10,000 (previously ₦9,000)
GOtv Supa Plus: ₦16,800 (previously ₦13,500)
GOtv Jolli: ₦5,800 (previously ₦4,850)
MultiChoice has defended the price adjustments as necessary to continue offering premium content and advanced technology to its customers.
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) had earlier directed MultiChoice to maintain existing prices pending an investigation into the proposed hike. However, the company proceeded with the increase despite this directive. The FCCPC has since filed legal charges against MultiChoice Nigeria and its CEO, John Ugbe.
Dr. Ilias called on the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to take decisive action to foster competition in the pay-TV sector. He also urged Nigerian consumers to explore alternative platforms or consider boycotting DStv and GOtv until MultiChoice demonstrates respect for their rights.
“The Nigerian market deserves dignity—not exploitation,” Ilias said. “No company should be allowed to operate above the law or treat Nigerian consumers unfairly.”
The backlash against MultiChoice comes amid growing concerns about affordability in Nigeria’s pay-TV market. Many subscribers are questioning whether they can continue to afford these services as economic pressures mount.
For now, Save the Consumers is calling for an immediate reversal of the price hike and compensation for affected customers. Whether these demands will lead to tangible changes remains uncertain as regulatory bodies continue their investigations into MultiChoice’s practices.
