DStv and GOtv price hikes over the years: How MultiChoice subscription costs have skyrocketed in Nigeria

For over a decade, Nigerians have relied on MultiChoice’s DStv and GOtv platforms for access to entertainment, news, sports, and education. But with each passing year, these services have become increasingly expensive, pushing many households to the brink.

From inflation and naira devaluation to rising VAT and operational costs, MultiChoice has repeatedly cited economic conditions to justify periodic price increases. Yet, the frequency and scale of these hikes have sparked widespread backlash, lawsuits, and regulatory interventions.

In this report, we take a comprehensive look at how DStv and GOtv prices have increased over time, the reasons behind the changes, and the reactions from consumers, lawmakers, and Nigeria’s competition commission. We also explore how this trend impacts media consumption in Nigeria and what alternatives viewers are considering in response.

Tracking the Rise of DStv and GOtv Prices Since 2015

Since 2015, MultiChoice has implemented multiple price hikes on its various DStv and GOtv packages, often citing operational costs, exchange rate fluctuations, and rising inflation. The first major hike occurred in April 2015, with subsequent increases nearly every other year, culminating in several steep jumps in 2023, 2024, and 2025.

Key Historical Price Points:

• April 2015: MultiChoice increased prices by 20% across all DStv packages, citing economic realities.

  
  
  

• July 2018: Premium moved from ₦14,700 to ₦15,800; Compact Plus from ₦9,900 to ₦10,650.

• August 2020: Post-VAT increase (from 5% to 7.5%), most bouquets saw additional upward adjustments.

• May 2023: Premium rose to ₦29,500; Compact Plus to ₦19,800.

  
  
  

• November 2023: DStv and GOtv packages went up again by 19–20%, despite recent hikes.

• April 2024: Premium increased from ₦29,500 to ₦37,000; Compact Plus from ₦19,800 to ₦25,000.

• March 2025: The latest and most controversial hike saw Premium go up to ₦44,500; Compact to ₦19,000.

Why MultiChoice Says Prices Keep Rising

MultiChoice has consistently defended its actions, pointing to a range of macroeconomic challenges. These include:

• Currency Devaluation: The falling value of the naira makes it more expensive to acquire foreign content like Premier League rights, which are priced in dollars.

• Inflation: Rising general costs, including fuel, electricity, and logistics, impact operations.

• Content Acquisition Costs: Premium sports and entertainment programming require massive investments.

• VAT and Regulatory Fees: Tax increases have also contributed to the upward adjustments.

  
  
  

The company argues that subscription fees in Nigeria remain some of the lowest in Africa, when converted to USD, but consumers are not convinced.

How the FCCPC and Lawmakers Are Pushing Back

MultiChoice’s 2024 and 2025 price hikes drew significant attention from Nigeria’s Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) and the National Assembly.

• June 2024: The Competition Tribunal fined MultiChoice ₦150 million and ordered them to provide one month of free DStv and GOtv service to customers after failing to comply with pricing guidelines.

• March 2025: FCCPC sued MultiChoice Nigeria for ignoring a court order suspending price hikes.

  
  
  

• Legislative Inquiries: The House of Representatives summoned MultiChoice executives for explanations, urging the company to adopt an annual billing model and stop arbitrary price increases.

These developments signal growing pressure on the company to change its pricing approach and be more consumer-sensitive.

How Price Increases Are Affecting Viewership and Trust

The real burden of these consistent price adjustments lies with the everyday Nigerian viewer. Many consumers have:

• Downgraded their subscriptions or completely unsubscribed.

• Switched to alternative streaming platforms (like Netflix, YouTube, and Showmax).

• Expressed frustration over lack of flexibility, e.g., inability to pause subscriptions or pay per view.

• Called out MultiChoice for failing to improve content quality in proportion to price hikes.

The sentiment on social media platforms is largely negative, with calls for boycotts and complaints about “anti-poor” pricing.

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Comparing Alternatives: Are Competitors Like StarTimes and IPTV Winning Over Nigerians?

As DStv and GOtv prices rise, more Nigerians are exploring alternatives:

• StarTimes offers more affordable subscription plans and is expanding its content library.

• IPTV services, while still in grey areas legally, offer low-cost access to international channels via the internet.

• Free-to-air satellite dishes and streaming apps are also becoming popular, especially among younger viewers.

This shift shows that loyalty to MultiChoice is no longer guaranteed, especially among budget-conscious households.

DStv’s Value for Money in Question: Are Customers Getting Enough in Return?

One recurring question from consumers is whether the value offered by DStv and GOtv justifies the pricing. While the platforms boast live sports, Nollywood content, and international channels, critics argue:

• Repetitive programming is common.

• Too many filler channels offer little unique value.

• Content segmentation across too many packages forces users to pay more for specific interests.

• The absence of pay-per-view and flexible subscription timelines limits accessibility.

MultiChoice’s recent investments in Showmax, its streaming platform, have not significantly addressed these concerns in Nigeria.

MultiChoice DStv/GOtv Price Increases (2015–2025)

What the Future Holds: Can MultiChoice Continue Like This?

With intensifying regulatory scrutiny and growing dissatisfaction among viewers, MultiChoice may soon need to:

• Adopt more flexible pricing and payment models (e.g., weekly or daily plans).

• Offer pay-per-view options for major events and sports.

• Improve transparency around why and how prices are reviewed.

• Embrace a consumer-first strategy or risk losing market dominance.

The coming months may determine whether MultiChoice adapts to changing market dynamics or continues facing resistance and legal penalties.