Following the reduction of subscription rates by up to 38% in South Africa and the contrasting 21% price increase imposed by MultiChoice Nigeria on its DStv and GOtv services in Nigeria, a non-governmental organisation in Nigeria, ‘Save the Consumers’ has condemned what it described as Discriminatory Pricing system by the company.
The organization’s Executive Director, Dr. Aliyu Ilias in a statement on Sunday, decried the company’s decision to raise the subscription rate despite a directive from the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC).
The statement read; “This action is 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.”
“It reflects MultiChoice’s clear disregard for both Nigerian consumers and regulatory authority, even more troubling is the company’s simultaneous enhancement of service offerings and reduction of prices for South African customers.”
The Executive Director revealed that In South Africa, MultiChoice lowered its 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.
“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.” Dr Ilias explained.
“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.”
“These include repetitive content, frequent service disruptions, and poor value for money. 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.”
He noted that MultiChoice’s dominance in Nigeria’s pay-TV sector, enabled by a lack of effective competition, has emboldened its monopolistic practices.
“Save the Consumers demands the 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.”. He demanded.
Dr Ilias, however called on the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to take decisive steps to foster genuine competition in the pay-TV sector and dismantle MultiChoice’s stranglehold on the market.
He also called on 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.” The Executive Director said.
“We call on Nigerian consumers to explore alternative platforms and consider boycotting DStv and GOtv until MultiChoice demonstrates genuine respect for their rights.”
“Save the Consumers stands firmly with Nigerian subscribers in rejecting this injustice and calls on all stakeholders to hold MultiChoice accountable, 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.” He added.
By: Babajide Okeowo
