Multichoice, the operator of DStv and GOtv, has reported a loss of 243,000 subscribers in Nigeria between April and September 2024, as part of a broader decline of 566,000 subscribers across its African operations. The company attributed the loss to Nigeria’s severe inflation rate, which has surpassed 30%, causing financial strain on many customers who can no longer afford the service. This decline follows a similar drop in subscribers earlier in the year, and the company is facing mounting criticism from Nigerian customers.
Many subscribers are now threatening to switch to alternative platforms, citing high subscription costs and limited content variety, particularly outside of sports programming. Several users on social media platforms like WhatsApp and X (formerly Twitter) expressed frustration with price hikes, with some even offering to give away their DStv decoders for free. As internet-based streaming services gain popularity, there are increasing calls for MultiChoice to adopt more flexible pricing models, such as “pay-as-you-go” subscriptions, to retain its customer base.
