Consumer advocacy group slams MultiChoice over unequal pricing for Nigerian, South African customers

Save the Consumers, a non-governmental consumer rights advocacy group has condemned MultiChoice Nigeria over its recent 21% price increase on DStv and GOtv subscriptions, while the company simultaneously slashed prices and improved services for its South African subscribers.

In a statement signed by Aliyu Ilias, Executive Director of organisation, the group described the move as “insensitive, exploitative, and blatantly discriminatory,” highlighting the stark contrast in MultiChoice’s treatment of its Nigerian and South African customers.

According to the statement, The South African-based pay-TV giant recently announced price reductions of up to 38% for its home market, alongside improved service offerings, while imposing higher costs on Nigerian subscribers.

The advocacy group further criticized MultiChoice for disregarding a directive from the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), which had ordered a suspension of price hikes pending an investigation. Save the Consumers accused the company of “operating with impunity in Nigeria, prioritizing profit over consumer welfare, and defying regulatory authority.”

According to Save the Consumers, MultiChoice’s justification for the Nigerian price hike citing inflation and operational costs rings hollow when compared to its actions in South Africa. The company has not only lowered subscription costs in its home country but has also added new channels, introduced enhanced streaming features, and acknowledged the financial struggles of South African households.

“Why does MultiChoice recognize economic hardship in South Africa but ignore the dire financial situation in Nigeria? This is a clear case of economic discrimination, reinforcing long-standing concerns about MultiChoice’s exploitative pricing model in Nigeria,” the statement read.

Nigerian subscribers, the group noted, have long suffered from frequent service disruptions, repetitive content, and poor value for money. Despite these challenges, MultiChoice continues to raise prices without meaningful service improvements.

The organization therefore called on the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to break MultiChoice’s dominance in Nigeria’s pay-TV market by fostering greater competition. The organization also urged the FCCPC to take legal action against the company for defying regulatory orders and for its anti-consumer practices.

Furthermore, the group demanded an immediate reversal of the latest price hike, compensation for affected subscribers, and full compliance with Nigerian consumer protection laws.

Save the Consumers encouraged Nigerians to explore alternative pay-TV platforms and consider boycotting DStv and GOtv until MultiChoice demonstrates fairness and respect for its customers.

“We call 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. 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,”