A fresh wave of public outcry is sweeping across Nigeria following the release of a damning report by Save the Consumers, a Nigerian non-governmental organization advocating for consumer rights. The report, which exposes stark disparities in subscription pricing by MultiChoice—the parent company of DStv and GOtv—between Nigeria and South Africa, has sparked allegations of economic injustice, regulatory defiance, and outright exploitation of Nigerian consumers. MultiChoice increased subscription fees for its DStv and GOtv platforms in Nigeria by up to 21%, effective as of March 1, 2025.
The group criticized this move, which was made with little warning, not just for the timing and nature of the hike but also for the financial impact it will have on already struggling Nigerian households. In stark contrast, the same corporation implemented new features and content to increase value while slashing pricing for its South African subscribers by as much as 38% in the same time frame. Dr. Aliyu Ilias, the Executive Director of Save the Consumers, addressed the development in a statement.
NGO slams MultiChoice for double standards in pricing.
Dr. Ilias described the pricing gap as “discriminatory, exploitative, and a violation of Nigerian consumer rights.” He called for the immediate reversal of the hike and demanded compensation for subscribers who had experienced not just repeated, unjustified price hikes but also chronic service issues that remain unaddressed. He underlined that Nigerians are expected to pay much more for services that many claim have not improved in quality or dependability, while South African subscribers are rewarded with more channels, lower rates, and improved streaming features like the “Add Movies” bolt-on, now priced at R49 (a 38 percent reduction).
This, he said, reflects a “disturbing double standard,” which shows the company’s propensity to take advantage of the Nigerian market under a nearly monopolistic market structure. In order to promote real competition in the pay TV industry, Dr. Ilias urged the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to adopt decisive steps. More significantly, he exhorted Nigerian customers to use their money as well as advocacy to make their voices heard. He recommended that subscribers look into other platforms and consider boycotting DStv and GOtv until MultiChoice starts to show genuine regard for Nigerian customers and abides by legal directives.
Public backlash grows as consumers push for alternatives.
“Pricing is not the only consideration here. It’s about respect, equity, and each Nigerian customer’s right to be treated equally,” he stated. “No business, regardless of size, should be permitted to operate illegally or treat Nigerians like second-class subscribers.” This most recent price hike follows a comparable one in May 2024, meaning that Nigerian users have seen their pricing skyrocket in less than a year. With subscribers now paying as much as ₦44,500 for the DStv Premium package—up from ₦37,000—and other packages witnessing similar increases, the public’s patience appears to be wearing thin.
In response, the public backlash from Nigerians, who are already feeling the heat of the economic hardship, has been intense. As seen on social media, many are encouraging others to explore other alternatives with trending topics like “Boycott Multichoice,” which are becoming more and more popular. The reality on the ground, according to critics, contradicts MultiChoice Nigeria’s assertion that the increase is necessary to maintain “world-class content” in the face of Inflation and growing operating expenses.
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Nigerian subscribers frequently complain about recurring service disruptions, limited local content, and the absence of customer-friendly features that their counterpart users enjoy. Despite the uproar, MultiChoice Nigeria has maintained its stance. In a statement, the company reiterated that the new pricing reflects the realities of doing business in Nigeria and that it remains committed to delivering both local and international content. But for many Nigerians struggling to meet Basic Needs amid intensifying economic downturns, this explanation is far from satisfactory.