NGO Condemns MultiChoice’s 21% Price Hike on DStv, GOtv, Calls It Exploitative, Discriminatory

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Save the Consumers, a Nigerian Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) dedicated to protecting consumer rights, has strongly criticized MultiChoice Nigeria for its recent 21% price increase on DStv and GOtv services, effective March 1.

The group highlighted the stark contrast between this hike and MultiChoice’s decision to reduce prices by up to 38% and enhance services for its South African customers during the same period.

In a statement issued by Dr. Aliyu Ilias, Executive Director of Save the Consumers, the organization described the price adjustment as insensitive, exploitative, and blatantly discriminatory.

“This increase, coming less than a year after the May 2024 price hike in Nigeria, 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,” the statement read.

The FCCPC had previously initiated legal action against MultiChoice Nigeria and its CEO, John Ugbe, for violating regulatory directives, obstructing investigations, and breaching the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018. The Commission also expressed concern over MultiChoice’s decision to improve services and reduce prices for South African customers while increasing costs for Nigerians.

“In South Africa, MultiChoice has lowered fees, added new channels, and introduced features to enhance user experience, all while acknowledging the financial challenges faced by South African households. Meanwhile, Nigerian consumers are being exploited,” the statement added.

Save the Consumers urged Nigerian subscribers 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. Nigerian consumers deserve dignity, not exploitation,” the statement emphasized.

The FCCPC had engaged MultiChoice in multiple discussions in recent weeks to prevent the price hike, but these efforts proved unsuccessful.

The matter is currently before a Federal High Court in Lagos. Save the Consumers called on all stakeholders to hold MultiChoice accountable and ensure that no company operates above the law or treats Nigerian consumers as second-class subscribers.