For Delta-based tailor Mrs Florence Adeyemi, television has always been a way to unwind after a long day of sewing and attending to customers. Every evening, she sits with her children to watch their favourite shows on DStv. But when she saw the message on her phone about yet another price increase, her heart sank.
“How do they expect us to keep up? Food is expensive, rent is going up, and now even TV is becoming a luxury,” she lamented.
Like Mrs Adeyemi, millions of Nigerians who rely on DStv and GOtv for entertainment are now wondering whether they can still afford the service. MultiChoice, the company that owns both platforms, has announced a price increase of at least 20% starting March 1, 2025.
For many, this feels like déjà vu—the second increase in less than a year.
New Prices, New Struggles
The new DStv subscription prices will be:
DStv Premium: ₦45,000 (up from ₦37,000)
DStv Compact Plus: ₦35,000 (up from ₦30,000)
DStv Compact: ₦19,000 (up from ₦15,700)
MultiChoice says the price hike is necessary due to inflation and the falling value of the naira. The company has been losing subscribers, especially in Nigeria, Angola, Kenya, and Zambia, where people are finding it harder to afford pay-TV services.
A Choice Between Entertainment and Essentials
For Mr Nduka, a secondary school teacher in Asaba, watching football on weekends was his way of relaxing. But with the new prices, he says he may have to let go of his subscription.
“I love watching the Premier League, but when I think about how much ₦45,000 can do for my family, I have to ask myself: is it worth it?” he said.
In a time when food prices, transport costs, and electricity bills are soaring, many Nigerians are prioritizing basic needs over entertainment. Some have already started exploring cheaper alternatives like Netflix, YouTube, and free-to-air channels.
Government and Consumer Reactions
This isn’t the first time MultiChoice has faced backlash over price hikes. In the past, lawmakers and consumer rights groups have called for better regulations on pay-TV pricing. However, there has been no official statement from the Nigerian Consumer Protection Commission regarding this latest increase.
Meanwhile, some Nigerians are calling on the government to intervene and ensure that entertainment remains accessible.
Will MultiChoice Lose More Customers?
As the cost of living crisis continues, many subscribers are left with tough decisions. While some may find a way to keep their subscriptions, others—like Mrs Adeyemi—are left weighing the cost of watching their favourite shows against putting food on the table.
“If they keep increasing the price, we’ll have no choice but to let it go,” she said with a sigh.
For now, the question remains: how much is too much for entertainment in a struggling economy?
