A non-governmental organization, Save the Consumers, has strongly condemned the recent 21 per cent price increase imposed by MultiChoice Nigeria on its DStv and GOtv services, effective March 1, 2025.
In a statement, Dr. Aliyu Ilias, Executive Director of the organization, said the increase was in stark contrast to the company’s decision to reduce prices by up to 38 percent and enhance value for its South African subscribers during the same period.
Ilias described the action as “not only insensitive and exploitative, but also blatantly discriminatory.”
“Coming less than a year after the May 2024 price hike in Nigeria, the new increase openly defies a directive from the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) to suspend all price adjustments pending the conclusion of ongoing investigations.”
According to the organisation, MultiChoice’s action reflects its clear disregard for both Nigerian consumers and regulatory authority.
It noted that what is more troubling is the company’s simultaneous enhancement of service offerings and reduction of prices for South African customers.
“In South Africa, MultiChoice has lowered fees on various products, added new channels, and introduced features that improve the user experience, all while acknowledging the financial pressures faced by South African households.
Read Also: Glo and Lagos Food Bank to Tackle Food Insecurity in Lagos
“This double standard, lowering prices at home while increasing them in Nigeria, amounts to economic discrimination and reinforces long-standing concerns about MultiChoice’s exploitative approach toward the Nigerian market.
“It is indefensible for MultiChoice to cite inflation in Nigeria as justification for the hike while offering consumer-friendly pricing in South Africa.
“This reflects a disturbing double standard, with Nigerian consumers continuing to suffer under a near-monopolistic market structure that MultiChoice exploits with impunity.
“While MultiChoice claims the price hike is necessary to deliver “world-class content,” Nigerian subscribers still face persistent challenges that remain unaddressed despite repeated complaints,” Save the Consumer noted.
It also demanded immediate reversal of the March 2025 price hike, compensation for subscribers affected by repeated, unjustified price increases and service deficiencies, and full compliance with the FCCPC’s directive.
“We urge the FCCPC to initiate legal proceedings against MultiChoice for its defiance of regulatory orders and its disregard for consumer welfare. A transparent investigation into its pricing model, service quality, and compliance with Nigerian competition and consumer protection laws is essential,” it said.
