The Association for the Defense of the Nigerian Economy has dismissed claims that MultiChoice unfairly raised DStv prices in Nigeria while lowering them in South Africa, calling the allegations misleading and economically shallow.
The group urged Nigerians to consider actual price data and exchange rates before drawing conclusions.
ADNE argued that MultiChoice’s pricing adjustments reflect economic factors such as inflation, operational costs, and currency fluctuations rather than unfair treatment. While Save the Consumers criticized the company for raising prices in Nigeria while lowering them in South Africa, ADNE maintained that the comparison overlooked key economic differences between the two countries.
ADNE’s research found that South African subscribers currently pay 879 ZAR ($46.34 at an exchange rate of 18.97 ZAR/$1) for the DStv Premium package. Starting April 1, the price will increase to 979 ZAR ($53.82 at 18.19 ZAR/$1), reflecting exchange rate fluctuations and other economic factors.
ADNE’s analysis shows that Nigerian DStv Premium subscribers now pay ₦44,500 ($29.81 at ₦1,492.73/$1), up from ₦37,000 ($26.55 at ₦1,393.51/$1). In 2023, the price was ₦29,500, which then converted to $29.80 at ₦990/$1.
For DStv Compact Plus, South African subscribers paid 579 ZAR ($30.52) in 2024 and will soon pay 659 ZAR ($36.23). Meanwhile, Nigerian subscribers now pay ₦30,000 ($20.10), up from ₦25,000 ($17.94) in 2024 and ₦19,800 ($20) in 2023.
Compact bouquet pricing followed a similar pattern. From April, South African subscribers will pay 479 ZAR ($26.33), up from 449 ZAR ($23.67) in 2024 and 449 ZAR ($24.63) in 2023. In Nigeria, the price has risen to ₦19,000 ($12.73), from ₦15,700 ($11.27) in 2024 and ₦12,500 ($12.63) in 2023.
ADNE acknowledged that economic hardships in Nigeria make price hikes more challenging for consumers but stressed that businesses also struggle with rising operational costs and currency instability. It noted that fluctuations in local currency value significantly influence pricing, a factor Save the Consumers overlooked.
The organization warned against misleading claims intended to stir public outrage, emphasizing that responsible discussions should be grounded in factual data.
