A recent report from Save the Consumers, a Nigerian NGO dedicated to protecting consumer rights, has highlighted significant disparities in subscription prices set by MultiChoice for customers in Nigeria compared to those in South Africa.
The report criticized the 21% price increase implemented by MultiChoice Nigeria for its DStv and GOtv services, which began on March 1, 2025, pointing out the inequalities in pricing.
According to the findings, “The 21% increase on DStv and GOtv subscriptions for Nigerian customers sharply contrasts with the company’s decision to lower prices by as much as 38% and improve services for its South African subscribers during the same timeframe. This move is not just insensitive and exploitative; it is also overtly discriminatory. Coming on the heels of a price hike in May 2024 in Nigeria, this latest increase blatantly disregards a directive from the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) to pause all price adjustments until ongoing investigations are concluded. It demonstrates MultiChoice’s blatant disregard for Nigerian consumers and regulatory guidelines.”
Dr. Aliyu Ilias, Executive Director of the NGO, weighed in, stating that it is indefensible for MultiChoice to use inflation in Nigeria as a reason for the increase while simultaneously offering more favorable pricing to customers in South Africa.
According to Daily Trust, MultiChoice confirmed last month a plan to raise prices for GoTV and DSTV subscriptions effective from March 1, 2025.
In response, the FCCPC instructed the company to suspend its planned subscription increases and summoned its officials to the FCCPC headquarters in Abuja to explain the rationale behind this hike.
The commission has asked the company’s CEO to attend an investigative hearing on February 27, expressing concerns regarding recurring price spikes, the potential abuse of market dominance, and anti-competitive practices within the pay-TV sector.
The FCCPC also issued a serious warning, stating that failure to justify the price increase or adhere to fair market practices would result in regulatory penalties.
However, in a legal move, MultiChoice’s attorneys, led by Onigbanjo, filed an ex parte motion seeking an order to prevent the FCCPC and its officers from executing any threats against the company, as communicated in a letter dated March 3. This request was made pending the hearing and resolution of their motion for an interlocutory injunction.
As a result, the Federal High Court in Abuja issued an order last Wednesday, restraining the FCCPC from taking any action against MultiChoice Nigeria Limited regarding its recent subscription rate hikes.
Justice James Omotosho granted this order following the motion presented by Moyosore Onigbanjo, SAN, representing MultiChoice.
Daily Trust attempted to reach Mr. Ipinyomi Sam, the company’s public relations official, but was unable to do so. Mr. Ipinyomi did not respond to the calls or text messages sent at the time of this report.
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