Anambra Residents Reject DSTV Decoder Price Slash, Demand Lower Subscription Fees, Pay-As-You-View System

By Our Correspondent

Residents of Anambra State have rejected the recent reduction in DSTV decoder prices by MultiChoice Nigeria, describing the move as a diversion from the real issues affecting subscribers.

Instead, they are calling for a significant reduction in monthly subscription fees and the immediate introduction of a pay-as-you-view billing system.

MultiChoice had announced a price cut on decoder units across Nigeria, touting it as a relief package to ease economic burdens.

But in Anambra, many residents say the gesture is unhelpfully deceitful arguing that what they would need is a fairer, more flexible payment structure, not cheaper decoders that most already own.

In Awka, Mr. Ugochukwu Eze, a civil servant, told The RAZOR Newspaper, “Reducing the decoder price is a distraction and grand deceit. I bought mine long ago. What we need now is a reduction in monthly fees and a pay-as-you-view option. Why should I pay for what I don’t watch?”

Mrs. Ifeoma Anene, a trader at Onitsha Main Market, echoed the same concern. “We are in tough times. Even N2,000 means a lot. Give us the power to pay only for what we watch, not this blanket monthly fee that is killing us.”

In Nnewi, a hotel manager, Mr. Chijioke Nnaji, said, “The real burden is the recurring cost. People are ready to pay if it’s reasonable. Introducing a pay-as-you-view model will make DSTV more accessible and fair.”

Consumer rights advocates in the state have joined in the call, urging the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC) and other relevant agencies to compel MultiChoice to implement a user-friendly pricing model that reflects the realities of Nigerian households.

“This so-called decoder price reduction is mere window dressing,” said Nneka Maduagwu, a media rights analyst based in Onitsha. “We need a billing model that works for the people—pay-as-you-view is the fairest and most logical approach.”

Residents also pointed out that similar pay-per-view systems exist in other countries where DSTV operates, questioning why Nigerians are still subjected to full monthly subscriptions despite irregular power supply and busy schedules.

At the time of filing this report, MultiChoice had not issued any formal response to the growing outcry in Anambra State.