Amidst hike in Nigeria, Multichoice reduced subscription in South Africa by 38%

A recent report by Save the Consumers, a Nigerian non-governmental organisation committed to defending consumer rights has revealed disparities in subscription prices charged by MultiChoice on customers in Nigeria and South Africa

The report also condemned the 21% price increase imposed by MultiChoice Nigeria on its DStv and GOtv services, which took effect on March 1, 2025, citing disparities in the charges.

The report revealed that “The 21% increase on DStv and GOtv subscription for Nigerian Customers comes in stark contrast to the company’s decision to reduce prices by up to 38% and enhance value for its South African subscribers during the same period.

“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.”

Commenting further, Dr. Aliyu Ilias Executive Director of the NGO noted that it is indefensible for MultiChoice to cite inflation in Nigeria as justification for the hike while offering consumer-friendly pricing in South Africa.

Daily Trust reports that last month Multi Choice has announced a price hike for Gotv and DSTV subscription form March 1, 2025

Subsequently, FCCPC asked the company to halt its subscription hike plan and invited its officials to the FCCPC headquarters in Abuja to explain the rationale behind the hike.

The commission directed the company’s chief executive officer to appear for an investigative hearing on Feb. 27, raising concerns over frequent price hikes, potential market dominance abuse and anti-competitive practices within the pay-TV industry.

The FCCPC also issued a stern warning, stating that failure to justify the price adjustment or comply with fair market principles would lead to regulatory sanctions.

However, in the ex parte motion filed by MultiChoice’s legal team led by Onigbanjo, the company sought an order of interim injunction restraining the FCCPC and its officers from carrying out the threat against it, as communicated via a letter dated March 3, pending the hearing and determination of the motion for an interlocutory injunction.

Consequently, the Federal High Court in Abuja last Wednesday restrained the FCCPC from sanctioning MultiChoice Nigeria Limited following its recent increase in the DStv and GOtv subscription rates.

Justice James Omotosho gave the order after an ex-parte motion moved by Moyosore Onigbanjo, SAN, counsel to MultiChoice.

Justice Omotosho, in the motion marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/379/2025, ordered FCCPC not to take “any administrative steps” against the pay-Tv company.

Daily Trust tried reaching Mutichoice through Mr. Ipinyomi Sam, an official who handles public relations for the company but to no avail.

Ipinyomi did not answer nor reply to the text message sent to him as at the time of filing this report.