A recent report by Save the Consumers, a Nigerian NGO advocating for consumer rights, highlighted the stark difference in subscription pricing strategies used by MultiChoice in Nigeria and South Africa. The report condemned MultiChoice Nigeria’s 21% price increase on DStv and GOtv services, effective 1 March 2025, particularly when the company reduced subscription fees in South Africa by up to 38% while improving the value offered.
Save the Consumers expressed concern, labelling the 21% hike exploitative and discriminatory. They criticised the increase, especially as it came less than a year after Nigeria’s May 2024 price rise. They criticised Multichoice for ignoring the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) directive to pause price hikes during ongoing investigations. The NGO also accused MultiChoice of disregarding Nigerian consumers and regulatory authority.
Dr Aliyu Ilias, Executive Director of Save the Consumers, stated that the company was justifying its pricing by using inflation in Nigeria while offering more affordable pricing in South Africa.
In response, the FCCPC ordered the company to suspend the hike and summoned its executives to explain the decision. The FCCPC raised concerns about the possible abuse of market dominance and anti-competitive practices, warning that failure to justify the increases could lead to sanctions.
In response, MultiChoice sought legal protection and filed an ex-parte motion at the Federal High Court in Abuja to prevent the FCCPC from imposing sanctions while the court deliberates. Last Wednesday, Justice James Omotosho issued an order restraining the FCCPC from taking action until the motion for an injunction is heard.
Efforts to contact MultiChoice for comment were unsuccessful.
As Nigerian consumers and regulatory bodies await the outcome, many question the fairness and transparency of MultiChoice’s pricing policies.
