‘South Africans pay more’ — NGO says MultiChoice’s price hike in Nigeria not discriminatory

The Association for the Defense of the Nigerian Economy (ADNE), a non-governmental organisation (NGO), has dismissed claims that MultiChoice’s recent price hike for DStv and GOtv services in Nigeria is discriminatory, adding that South Africans pay more for similar services.

In a statement on Monday, ADNE responded to allegations by Save the Consumers, a civil society organisation, which claimed that MultiChoice increased subscription prices in Nigeria by 21 percent while reducing them in South Africa by 38 percent.

MultiChoice announced new subscription prices for its services on February 24, while Save the Consumers criticised the hike, calling it discriminatory and exploitative.

ADNE, however, refuted the claims, adding that they were based on economic ignorance.

“What Save the Consumers aimed at was misleading the consumer. It was lazy and dishonest,” ADNE said.

ADNE said its research showed that Nigerian DStv subscribers pay lower rates than their South African counterparts.

The organisation explained that MultiChoice’s price adjustments were due to inflation, rising operational costs, and foreign exchange volatility.

ADNE noted that from April 1, South African DStv premium subscribers would pay 979 ZAR ($53.82 at 18.19 ZAR/$1), while the new price for the same package in Nigeria is N44,500 ($29.81 at N1492.73/$1).

The association added that a three-year comparison of DStv Compact Plus and Compact subscription prices in both countries also showed that Nigerians pay less.

For instance, ADNE said Compact Plus subscribers in Nigeria currently pay N30,000 ($20.10 at N1,492.73/$1), whereas South Africans will pay 659 ZAR ($36.23 at 18.19 ZAR/$1) from April.

Similarly, according to the group, DStv Compact subscribers in Nigeria pay N19,000 ($12.73 at N1,492.73/$1), while South Africans will pay 479 ZAR ($26.33 at 18.19 ZAR/$1).

ADNE said the figures show that local currency values significantly impact pricing, which Save the Consumers allegedly ignored.

“This is what Save the Consumers pretends not to know. Comments credited to the group have the objective of inciting Nigerians against MultiChoice,” the association said.

ADNE called for a more responsible approach, adding that such narratives could discourage investors at a time when companies are leaving the country.