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Subscribers Push for Boycott of Multichoice Services over Fresh Tariff Hikes

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Some Nigerians have urged subscribers of Multichoice Nigeria, operators of  DStv and GOtv, to boycott the firm while petitioning the federal government, regulatory agencies, and the National Assembly to intervene and ‘save Nigerians from alleged exploitation, according to ConsumerConnect .

Subscribers Push for Boycott of Multichoice Services over Fresh Tariff Hikes

This is coming as the Pay-Tv announced a second price increase for its DStv and GOtv packages this year, with hikes of at least 19 per cent across all bouquets

Multichoice Nigeria on Wednesday, November 1, 2023, announced fresh price increments in its DStv and GOtv packages after the first one it had announced and effected May 1, 2023.

According to Multichoice in  a letter dated November 1 and addressed to its partners, had stated: “On Monday, November 6, 2023, we will adjust our prices across all our packages on DStv and GOtv.

“We understand the impact this challenge may have on our valued customers and partners, but the rise in the cost of business operations, had led us to make this difficult decision.”

Multichoice also noted: “It remains our mission to provide the best entertainment and viewing experience to our valued customers and are committed to continue to deliver high-quality content and unparalleled service to our customers.”

The new tariff  for Premium bouquet, has been adjusted from N24,500 to N29,500; Compact+, from N16,600 to N19,800; Compact, from N10,500 to N12,500; Confam, from N6,200 to N7,400, among others.

However, for GOtv consumers, Supa+ price has increased from N10,500 to N12, 500; Supa moved from N6400 to N7,600; Max from N4850 to N5,700; Jolli, from N3,300 to N3,950, among others.

Multichoice Nigeria financials showed that the operator generated N277 billion for its financial year end March 31, 2023,

The company’s revenue, by implication, recorded 29 percent growth, compared to the N177.5 billion recorded in the previous year.

Reacting to the tariff hike, Sina Bilesanmi, president, Association of Telephone, Cable TV and Internet Subscribers of Nigeria (ATCIS), called for boycott of both DStv and GOtv by subscribers in Nigeria, stressing that the new price hike is exploitative in nature.

Bilesanmi contended it was the “fourth time” the operators would effect price hikes in 2023 in Nigeria.

He stated: “I cannot believe this is happening at this time. The brand is just exploiting the Nigerian market, all because no alternative yet!

“I will employ all Nigerians to boycott both DStv and GOtv services. I also call on President Tinubu, the National Assembly to step in and save Nigerians from this exploitation.”

According to him, ACTIS had met with President Tinubu August this year,  and demanded his intervention by asking these operators to give customers Pay Per View.

ACTIS recalled that “President Tinubu said we should give him time then. But I think the time is now for the entire country to rise against this exploitation by Multichoice.”

Bilesanmi also noted that the Association had written about 20 letters since 2020 to Multichoice on Pay Per View, and other issues in the industry, but the company feigned ignorance to these letters.

Earlier April 2023, Nigerians also had reacted angrily to Multichoice increments in subscription tariffs for both DStv and GOtv packages.

The company in its message to consumers had stated: “Please note that from May 1, your monthly subscription (premium) will be N24,500. To retain your old price of N21,000 for up to 12 months, ensure you are active by April 30.”

One of the subscribers then, simply took to his social media page and wrote: “You’ll soon pack up.”

Another simply identified as Morene Ajike, an Abuja-based businesswoman, who reportedly asked: “Nigeria is a country of over 200 million people.

“How come its citizens depend solely on a foreign company to view soccer stations, African Magic and other entertainment channels? All these things still points to corruption.”

She also alleged: “Companies like Multichoice closes the mouth of our political leaders with bribe and extorts citizens.”

Likewise, Bilesanmi had said of the idea: “Yes, we are aware of the South African hike and know that it is a sign of what will happen in Nigeria.

“They will hide under the guise of spiraling inflation and others to hike tariffs. But we have always pushed for pay-per-view.

“And if they say they do not have the technology or precedent globally to implement that template, they should think about a technology that allows us to retain our subscription when we don’t use it.”

He further explained: “For instance, if I subscribe and I am unable to use my subscription either because I am not around or I do not have cash to fuel my generator, I should be able to use it or roll it over when I subscribe again.”

Again, several subscribers have asked how Multichoice can actually justify its claim of delivering value and accessible services to its Nigerian customers?

“Is it by making life unbearable and contributing to the hardship that is already killing the people.

“How can Multichoice say it acknowledges that the people of Nigeria are living under increased economic pressure and yet hit them harder with price hike?”

Credit : ConsumerConnect .


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EFCC Re-Arraigns Echefu, TStv CEO for Allegedly Defrauding Ex-Minister of N1Bn, $1.3m

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Bright Echefu, chief executive officer, Telecom Satellites Limited (TStv), and three co‑defendants appeared before the Federal High Court in Abuja yesterday on an amended twelve‑count indictment brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The charges allege money laundering, tax evasion, and investment fraud involving approximately ₦1 billion and $1.3 million.

EFCC Re-Arraigns Echefu, TStv CEO for Allegedly Defrauding Ex-Minister of N1Bn, $1.3m

Bright Echefu, chief executive officer, TStv

In addition to Echefu, the defendants are TStv Executive Director, Felix Igboanuga, Telecom Satellites Limited itself, and Briechberg Investment Ltd.

According to the April 5, 2025, amended charge sheet the EFCC accuses the quartet of defrauding Mr. Tanimu Turaki, Managing Director of Kalsiyam Global and former Minister of Special Duties, alongside BYI General Limited, out of a combined investment of ₦1 billion and $1.3 million. The commission has also included a ₦66 million alleged tax default.

The revised indictment lists:

Count 2: ₦33,909,542.47 in unremitted Company Income Tax

Count 3: ₦13,519,382.00 in unremitted VAT

Count 4: ₦19,488,860.00 in unremitted PAYE

Counts 5–12: Various fraud‑related transactions, including ₦380 million from Kalsiyam Farm, ₦400 million from BYI General Ltd and $1.35 million in loans secured under false pretences.

All defendants pleaded not guilty once again. At the hearing before Justice Mohammed Umar, Echefu’s lead counsel, Senior Advocate Eyitayo Fatogun, informed the court of ongoing settlement discussions with the complainants.

“There are moves to settle this matter and there was a meeting on Saturday between myself and the Nominal Complainant as it is about investment,” Fatogun stated.

“The Defendants have paid some money and I was thinking that the matter be adjourned for report of settlement.”

EFCC counsel A.S. Tomwell confirmed receipt of those payments but emphasized the necessity of entering a plea before considering any adjournment. The court thus ordered the formal reading of the charges and adjourned the trial to October 15, 2025.


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More Woes for MultiChoice as Ghana Orders 30% Price Cut

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The government of Ghana has ordered MultiChoice Ghana to reduce DSTV subscription costs by 30%, noting the significant appreciation of local currency and growing dissatisfaction with current rates.

This comes as Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has fined MultiChoice Nigeria ₦766,242,500 for breaching the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA).

According to Mr Babatunde Bamigboye, head Legal, Enforcement & Regulations, NDPC, the investigation, which commenced in the second quarter of 2024, was triggered by suspected breach of privacy rights of Multichoice subscribers and illegal cross-border transfer of personal data of Nigerians.

MultiChoice, which operates across Africa, continues to lose revenue and subscribers.

Ghana’s minister of communication, digital technology, and innovation, Samuel Nartey George, made the call last week during a meeting with a DSTV team led by Dr. Keabetswe Modimoeng, group executive for regulatory and corporate affairs.

According to a ministry statement, George said the government’s responsibility is to respond to Ghanaians’ concerns over high DSTV pricing and outdated content offers.

The Minister pointed out that despite a 30% increase in the cedi’s value over the past five months; DSTV prices have not reflected the positive economic trend.

‎The statement went on to say the minister is therefore calling for a 30% price reduction to match the cedi’s appreciation and to pass on economic benefits to consumers.

According to the statement, while MultiChoice has implemented promotional packages, people prefer a direct price reduction over temporary discounts.

George said feedback from public engagements revealed that many users are dissatisfied with DSTV’s content, describing it as outdated save for Premier League football. They also believe that the current cost is not justified.

‎”To address the concerns, he said MultiChoice Ghana has until July 21 to formally respond to the government’s request. The Minister expects a concrete proposal by this date, allowing time for further engagement before the end of July,” the statement said.

‎In response, Dr. Modimoeng acknowledged the government’s concerns and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to dialogue.

The MultiChoice team reacted positively to the minister’s request and committed to provide input by July 21st. They emphasised the need of balancing public interest and business sustainability.

This is the continent’s latest pricing conundrum for the pan-African pay-TV business, following fee disputes with Nigerian and Malawian authorities.

In Ghana, the demand for price cuts comes as MultiChoice is under pressure, having lost revenue and subscribers in the financial year that ended March 31, 2025. Last month, the company announced its financial year-end results.

In a statement to shareholders last month on the Stock Exchange News Service, the company said the past two financial years have been a period of significant financial disruption for economies, corporates and consumers across Sub-Saharan Africa due to challenging macro-economic factors.

Combined with the impact of structural industry changes in video entertainment, such as the rise of piracy, streaming services and social media, this has materially affected the overall performance of the MultiChoice Group, it noted.

Over this period, MultiChoice said the group lost 2.8 million active linear subscribers and had to absorb a R10.2 billion negative impact on its top line due to local currency depreciation against the US dollar.

For the year, the company reveals that linear subscribers were down 1.2 million, or 8% year-on-year, to 14.5 million active subscribers, with the loss evenly split between South African (600 000) and rest of Africa (600 000).

 


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NDPC Slaps Multichoice with ₦766M Fine for Data Privacy Violations

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Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has fined MultiChoice Nigeria ₦766,242,500 for breaching the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA).

NDPC Slaps Multichoice with ₦766M Fine for Data Privacy Violations

NDPC is a public institution that processes data in furtherance of its mandate as Nigeria’s data protection authority and relies on recognised lawful bases for data processing, such as consent, legal obligation, and contract.

The fine was contained in a statement signed by Mr Babatunde Bamigboye, head Legal, Enforcement & Regulations, NDPC.

According to him, the investigation, which commenced in the second quarter of 2024, was triggered by suspected breach of privacy rights of Multichoice subscribers and illegal cross-border transfer of personal data of Nigerians.

“The NDPC found, among others, that Multichoice violated the data privacy rights of subscribers and their friends who are not necessarily subscribers.

The Commission also found that Multichoice carries out illegal cross-border transfer of personal data relating to data subjects in Nigeria.

The depth of data processing by Multichoice is patently intrusive, unfair, unnecessary, and disproportionate.

This is a grave affront to fundamental right to privacy as enshrined in Section 37 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

In line with its standard remediation procedure, the Commission directed Multichoice to carry out appropriate remedial measures.

However, the Commission found the measures undertaken by Multichoice in this regard unsatisfactory.

For want of cooperation, the Commission has directed Multichoice to pay ₦766,242,500 for violating the Nigerian Data Protection Act.

“Nigeria is entitled to protect her citizens and data sovereignty under both international and extant municipal laws, as these have far-reaching implication for rule of law, national security, and economic growth.” the statement said.

Babatunde also revealed that, Vincent Olatunji, national Commissioner, NDPC, has directed that all outlets through which Multichoice is collecting personal data of Nigerian citizens should be investigated for non-compliance.

He added that any outlet that processes personal data in violation of the NDP Act is liable to penalty under the Act.

 


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