Save the Consumers Condemns MultiChoice’s 21% Price Increase on DStv and GOtv
Strong Reactions
A Nigerian non-governmental organization, Save the Consumers, has condemned the recent 21% price increase imposed by MultiChoice Nigeria on its DStv and GOtv services from March 1, 2025. The organization’s Executive Director, Dr. Aliyu Ilias, described the action as "not only insensitive and exploitative, but also blatantly discriminatory."
Comparison to South African Subscribers
Ilias pointed out that the company’s decision is in stark contrast to the 38% price reduction and value enhancement offered to its South African subscribers during the same period. "What is more troubling is the company’s simultaneous enhancement of service offerings and reduction of prices for South African customers," the organization noted.
Double Standard
The organization highlighted MultiChoice’s double standard, lowering prices at home while increasing them in Nigeria, as an example of economic discrimination. "This reinforces long-standing concerns about MultiChoice’s exploitative approach toward the Nigerian market," Save the Consumers stated.
Justification
The organization criticized MultiChoice’s justification for the hike, citing inflation in Nigeria, while pointing out that the company is offering consumer-friendly pricing in South Africa. "It is indefensible for MultiChoice to cite inflation in Nigeria as justification for the hike while offering consumer-friendly pricing in South Africa," the organization said.
Demands
Save the Consumers demanded 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 Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission’s (FCCPC) directive.
Call for Action
The organization called on Nigerian consumers to explore alternative platforms and consider boycotting DStv and GOtv until MultiChoice demonstrates genuine respect for their rights. "MultiChoice’s discriminatory pricing, rewarding South African subscribers with lower costs and better services while exploiting Nigerians, is a glaring example of unchecked corporate greed," the organization stated.
Conclusion
Save the Consumers stands firmly with Nigerian subscribers in rejecting this injustice and calls on all stakeholders to hold MultiChoice accountable. "No company should be allowed to operate above the law or treat Nigerian consumers as second-class subscribers," the organization concluded.
FAQs
- What is the reason for the price increase?
The price increase is justified by inflation in Nigeria, according to MultiChoice. - What is the difference in pricing for South African subscribers?
South African subscribers will benefit from reduced pricing, such as the "Add Movies" bolt-on slashed by 38% to R49, alongside additional channels and enhanced streaming features. - What is Save the Consumers’ stance on the matter?
Save the Consumers strongly condemns the price increase, describing it as "not only insensitive and exploitative, but also blatantly discriminatory." The organization demands the immediate reversal of the price hike and compensation for subscribers affected by repeated, unjustified price increases and service deficiencies. - What is the organization’s call to action?
Save the Consumers urges Nigerian consumers to explore alternative platforms and consider boycotting DStv and GOtv until MultiChoice demonstrates genuine respect for their rights.
