By SpringNewsNG Media Limited – March 25, 2025

A Nigerian consumer rights group, Save the Consumers, has strongly condemned the recent increase in DStv and GOtv subscription prices by MultiChoice Nigeriahttp://DStv and GOtv subscription prices by MultiChoice Nigeria, calling it “insensitive and exploitative.”

In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Aliyu Ilias, on Sunday, the group criticized the company’s decision to raise prices by 21%, effective March 1, 2025.

“This action is not only insensitive and exploitative but also blatantly discriminatory,” the statement read.

Allegations of Economic Discrimination

The advocacy group accused MultiChoice of unfairly targeting Nigerian consumers while offering lower fees and service improvements to South African subscribers. It noted that, while Nigerians are being forced to pay more, South African customers have enjoyed price reductions of up to 38% and additional channels.

“This double standard—lowering prices in South Africa while increasing them in Nigeria—amounts to economic discrimination and reinforces long-standing concerns about MultiChoice’s exploitative approach toward the Nigerian market,” the statement added.

The group further expressed outrage that the increase came less than a year after the company last raised Nigerian subscription fees in May 2024. It also pointed out that the move directly defies a directive from the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), which had ordered MultiChoicehttp://Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), which had ordered MultiChoice to halt price changes pending an ongoing investigation.

MultiChoice Justifies Hike, Consumers Reject Explanation

MultiChoice has defended its decision, citing inflation and rising operational costs. However, Save the Consumers dismissed this explanation as a “disturbing double standard.”

According to the group, Nigerian consumers already suffer from repetitive content, frequent service disruptions, and poor value for money, yet MultiChoice continues to increase prices without improving services.

“Rather than addressing these issues, MultiChoice has chosen to penalize its loyal Nigerian customers with higher prices, proving that profit—not fairness—is its primary motivation,” the group stated.

In contrast, South African subscribers have seen cost reductions, such as the Add Movies package dropping by 38% to R49, alongside the addition of new channels and improved streaming features.

The group also criticized MultiChoice CEO, Byron Du Plessis, for acknowledging the financial struggles of South African households while failing to extend the same consideration to Nigerians.

Demands for Immediate Action

Save the Consumers has demanded that MultiChoice:

• Reverse the price hike and compensate affected Nigerian subscribers.
• Comply with the FCCPC directive and suspend pricing adjustments.
• Allow stronger competition in the pay-TV sector to prevent monopolistic practices.

The group also urged Nigerians to explore alternative platforms and even consider boycotting DStv and GOtv until MultiChoice “demonstrates genuine respect for their rights.”

“The Nigerian market deserves dignity, not exploitation. No company should be allowed to operate above the law or treat Nigerian consumers as second-class subscribers,” the statement concluded.