By David Akinmola
In a startling turn of events, MultiChoice Nigeria, the country’s leading pay-TV operator, has lost a staggering 1.4 million subscribers over the past two years, a fallout largely attributed to repeated subscription price hikes on its DStv platform.
According to recent figures released by the company, the sharp decline reflects growing customer dissatisfaction and shifting consumer behavior in the face of economic hardship, inflation, and a widening pool of affordable streaming alternatives.
Industry analysts say the subscriber drop is a direct response to the company’s recurrent adjustments in pricing, with DStv tariffs rising multiple times since 2023—most recently in May 2025, when costs increased by over 20% across several packages. Many customers have voiced their frustration on social media, citing the growing gap between service value and affordability.
“The Nigerian economy is still struggling with high inflation and declining disposable income. Entertainment is no longer a priority for many households,” said media analyst Chuka Iroegbu. “With cheaper alternatives like Netflix, YouTube, and local streaming platforms, many viewers are cutting the cord.”
Despite the decline, MultiChoice Nigeria maintains that its pricing model is necessary to reflect the rising costs of content acquisition, satellite operations, and currency devaluation. The company also stated that it remains committed to delivering premium content and exploring ways to provide value to its loyal customers.
Still, the numbers suggest a wake-up call. While the company continues to invest in local programming and sports content, the question remains: can MultiChoice win back disillusioned subscribers—or will this mark a turning point in Nigeria’s television landscape?
As competition stiffens and digital migration accelerates, MultiChoice may need more than premium content to retain its dominance. It may need to reimagine its pricing strategy altogether.
