The Association for the Defense of the Nigerian Economy (ADNE) has dismissed claims that the recent price adjustments by MultiChoice, the pay-TV company behind DStv, are discriminatory towards Nigerians.
In a statement issued in Lagos on Monday, ADNE responded to media reports from the civil society organization, Save the Consumers, which suggested that MultiChoice increased prices by 21% in Nigeria while reducing them by 38% in South Africa.
Jacob Agunbiade, the Executive Director of ADNE, criticized the claims as misleading, accusing Save the Consumers of laziness and ignorance in economic matters. “If they had checked the internet, they would have easily discovered the price differences in both countries,” Agunbiade said in the statement.
ADNE’s research revealed that Nigerian DStv subscribers actually pay less than their South African counterparts. The organization attributed the price hikes in both countries to inflation, rising operational costs, and foreign exchange volatility.
ADNE further pointed out that South African subscribers will face a price increase from April 1, 2025. The new DStv Premium subscription price in South Africa will be ZAR 979 ($53.82 at the current exchange rate of 18.19 ZAR to 1 USD), up from ZAR 879 ($48.22) in 2023. In contrast, Nigerian subscribers will pay N44,500 ($29.81 at an exchange rate of N1492.73 to $1) for the same package, up from N37,000 ($26.55) earlier this year. In 2023, the price was N29,500 ($29.80 at an exchange rate of N990/$1).
For DStv’s Compact Plus package, Nigerian customers currently pay N30,000 ($20.10 at N1492.73/$1), while South African subscribers will pay 659 ZAR ($36.23 at 18.19 ZAR/$1) starting April 1. In 2024, South African subscribers paid 579 ZAR ($30.52 at an exchange rate of 18.19 ZAR/$1), while Nigerians paid N25,000 ($17.94 at N1393.51/$1). In 2023, Nigerians paid N19,800 ($20 at N990/$1), while South Africans paid 579 ZAR ($31.76).
ADNE also compared the costs for DStv’s Compact package. Currently, Nigerians pay N19,000 ($12.73 at N1492.73/$1), while from next month, South Africans will pay 479 ZAR ($26.33 at 18.77 ZAR/$1). Last year, South Africans paid 449 ZAR ($23.67 at 18.97 ZAR/$1), while Nigerians paid N15,700 ($11.27 at N1393.51/$1). In 2023, Nigerian Compact customers paid N12,500 ($12.63 at N990/$1), while South Africans paid 449 ZAR ($24.63 at 18.23 ZAR/$1).
While ADNE acknowledged the economic challenges faced by Nigerians, it emphasized that businesses are similarly affected by soaring operational costs and exchange rate instability. The statement also noted that the value of the local currency significantly influences local pricing dynamics.
“Save the Consumers’ comments seem to aim at inciting Nigerians against MultiChoice. No responsible organization should do that, especially as companies are leaving the country,” ADNE concluded.
