MultiChoice Nigeria is increasing DSTV and GOTV subscription prices starting March 1, 2025, citing higher operational costs as the driving factor. This change will impact millions of Nigerians who are already dealing with economic hardships, exacerbated by increased costs of living and telecommunications. The frequency of past price hikes has led to significant financial strain on households, raising concerns about future subscriptions amidst high inflation rates.
MultiChoice Nigeria has announced an adjustment in subscription prices for its DSTV and GOTV packages starting March 1, 2025. CEO John Ugbe stated that rising operational costs prompted this decision, emphasizing that extensive consideration was involved. This price increase is set to impact millions of Nigerians, particularly those already struggling economically, affecting their capacity for entertainment against a backdrop of a national telecommunications price spike.
The new subscription prices exacerbate existing financial pressures on Nigerian households, already grappling with rising living costs. Over the past nine years, price hikes have become more frequent, driven by operational cost increases. Analysis by Dataphyte indicates that some DSTV packages have seen annual increases of up to 50%, with the premium package experiencing a staggering 394% increase from ₦9,000 in 2009 to ₦44,000 in 2025.
Recent increments show that premium subscribers faced a 51.23% increase in May 2023, raising the price from ₦16,200 to ₦24,500. This was followed by another 20.41% spike later that year, with a further jump to ₦37,000 in May 2024. The upcoming adjustment to ₦44,500 reflects over a 300% increase from 2015, straining even average-income households despite lower-tier options.
Nigeria’s inflation rate remains one of the highest in Africa, with basic expenses escalating considerably. Although the inflation rate dropped to 24.48% in January 2025 due to a rebased Consumer Price Index (CPI), this does not alleviate overall price pressures. Households, pressed for funds, are likely to reevaluate non-essential expenses, often cutting back on subscriptions during economic hardships.
The impact of rising subscription prices may also limit access to information and entertainment, pushing many to return to local news outlets. With 46% of Nigerians relying on BBC News weekly, the price hike could force families to downgrade or cancel subscriptions, threatening their access to important news. Viewing centers may also be impacted adversely as customer footfall declines amid rising costs.
Although alternatives like Netflix and YouTube exist, increasing data costs—set to rise by 50% per NCC directives—may deter usage. The future of DSTV subscriptions looks precarious unless they adjust their pricing model to align with economic realities. Without a change, dwindling subscriptions could become a significant concern for the company.
In summary, MultiChoice Nigeria’s decision to raise DSTV and GOTV subscription prices in March 2025 reflects ongoing operational cost challenges and broader economic pressures. The frequency of price hikes over the years has notably affected Nigerian households, contributing to financial strain amid high inflation. As alternative viewing options become less accessible, the company must adapt its pricing strategy to retain subscribers and navigate the current economic landscape effectively.
Original Source: dataphyte.com
