The price hike for DStv and GOtv bouquets by MultiChoice Nigeria, has been met with stiff resistance by the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), South-West Zone.
The umbrella body of students has subsequently threatened to lock up all Multichoice offices in the geopolitical region, if the new price regime for different bouquets isn’t reversed by the South African PayTV firm.
The group has given MultiChoice Nigeria a seven-day ultimatum to reverse its decision to increase prices.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the student association voiced its displeasure and opposition to the proposed 17% price increase, citing the hardship and extortion that it would bring to Nigerians who are struggling with the cost of living.
They also urged MultiChoice to consider a ‘pay as you view’ tariff system that would be more pocket friendly for struggling Nigerians.
MultiChoice Nigeria had earlier sent text messages to subscribers informing them of the price hike, which is set to take effect from May 1, 2023.
The company cited rising business costs as the reason behind the increase.
The National Association of Nigerian Students, South-West Zone, has made it clear that they will not accept the price hike and are prepared to take action if their demands are not met.
It remains to be seen whether MultiChoice Nigeria will respond to the group’s ultimatum or proceed with the planned price hike.
“Today, we are aware that MultiChoice Digital Satellite has increased their tariffs without considering the standard of living of Nigerians. We have also waited for long to see if this same company will dance to the music of Nigerians who have been clamouring for pay as you view tariff but the reverse is the case.
“This is the time to call on the National Broadcasting Commission to go back to the commission act to regulate the ownership, activities and operations of Direct Broadcast Satellite Service Providers. DSTV is one of the leading direct-to-home service providers in Nigeria since its inception of operation far back in 1995 and has also made a lot of profit with over 25 million subscribers which is the largest market for its operations.
“We want the Federal Government to stampede their proposed plan in tariffs increment and also force them to implement the pay-as-you-view system. We are aware that DSTV operates a system of pay-as-you-go tariffs in other countries,” the statement from NANS reads.
Adding that Nigeria constitutes over 45 per cent of DSTV’s global market share, the student body called on President Muhammadu Buhari and the Minister of Communication to “break the sporting right of MultiChoice” and provide an alternative service provider in the country so that “Nigerians can stop being exploited on a daily basis.”
Giving the ultimatum, NANS said, “We hereby give seven days ultimatum to MultiChoice Digital Satellite Television to reverse their plan of increasing their tariffs and also yield to the call of Nigerians and also implementing pay as you view tariff, else we shall be left with no other option than to lock up all offices of DSTV until our demands are met, which is the mind of all Nigerians.”
