*Save the Consumers, a Non-Governmental Organisation, strongly condemns MultiChoice Nigeria for its recent exploitative and discriminatory pricing of 21 percent price hikes for consumers of DStv and GOtv services in the country, but reduced prices by about 38 percent for South African subscribers

Isola Moses | 绿帽献妻

Save the Consumers, a Nigerian Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) committed to defending consumer rights, has strongly condemned the recent 21 percent price increase imposed by MultiChoice Nigeria on its DStv and GOtv services, effective from March 1, 2025.

The group noted this development was in stark contrast to the company鈥檚 decision to reduce prices by about 38 percent, and enhance value for its South African subscribers during the same period.

Dr. Aliyu Ilias, Executive Director of Save the Consumers, in a statement issued Sunday, March 23, 2025, said the pay-TV company’s action was not only insensitive and exploitative, but also blatantly discriminatory to consumers.

The statement noted: “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.

“It reflects MultiChoice鈥檚 clear disregard for both Nigerian consumers and regulatory authority.”

Dr. Ilias also stated the company’s action became more troubling over its simultaneous enhancement of service offerings, and reduction of prices for consumers in South Africa, its home country.

The group further alleged that 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.

MultiChoice Nigeria鈥檚 rationale for price hikes ‘indefensible’

Save the Consumers said: “This double standard, lowering prices at home while increasing them in Nigeria, amounts to economic discrimination and reinforces long-standing concerns about MultiChoice鈥檚 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.”

The group further averred: “Nigerian consumers continue to suffer under a near-monopolistic market structure that MultiChoice exploits with impunity.”

According to the group, while MultiChoice claims the price hike is necessary to deliver 鈥渨orld-class content鈥�, Nigerian subscribers “still face persistent challenges that remain unaddressed despite repeated complaints.”

It stated such repeated complaints include repetitive content, frequent service disruptions, and poor value for money.

The Executive Director of the group said: “Rather than resolving these issues, MultiChoice has chosen to penalise its loyal Nigerian customers with higher prices, once again proving that profit, not service or fairness, is its primary motivation.”

The group noted that South African subscribers benefit from reduced pricing, such as the 鈥淎dd Movies鈥� bolt-on slashed by 38 percent to R49, alongside additional channels and enhanced streaming features.

On ‘hypocritical, disingenuous treatment’ of Nigerian consumers

The group also said MultiChoice CEO Byron Du Plessis鈥檚 justification that those changes were due to 鈥渇inancial pressures faced by households鈥� further demonstrated the company鈥檚 “hypocritical and disingenuous treatment of Nigerian consumers”, who are themselves grappling with a severe cost-of-living crisis.

The statement noted: “MultiChoice鈥檚 dominance in Nigeria鈥檚 pay-TV sector, enabled by a lack of effective competition, has emboldened its monopolistic practices. “The ease with which it increases prices without fear of losing market share highlights the urgent need for regulatory intervention.

“Nigerian consumers are effectively held captive in a market where choice is limited and abuse is rampant.”

It urged the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to take decisive steps to foster genuine competition in the pay-TV sector and “dismantle MultiChoice鈥檚 stranglehold on the market.”

Call for reversal of discriminatory prices, compensation for subscribers

Save the Consumers as well demanded the immediate reversal of the March 2025 price hikes, and compensation for subscribers affected by repeated, unjustified price increases and service deficiencies, and full compliance with the FCCPC鈥檚 directive.

It stated: “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.

“We call on Nigerian consumers to explore alternative platforms and consider boycotting DStv and GOtv until MultiChoice demonstrates genuine respect for their rights.”

The group asserted that MultiChoice鈥檚 discriminatory pricing, rewarding South African subscribers with lower costs and better services while exploiting Nigerians, is “a glaring example of unchecked corporate greed.

“Save the Consumers stands firmly with Nigerian subscribers in rejecting this injustice and calls on all stakeholders to hold MultiChoice accountable.”

The group added: “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.”

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