The news:
- Netflix has increased its Nigerian subscription prices for the third time since 2024, with the Premium plan now at ₦8,500 per month.
- The Basic and Mobile plans have also seen hikes, rising to ₦4,000 and ₦2,500 respectively.
- These increases coincide with Nigeria’s ongoing economic challenges, including high inflation and currency devaluation.
- The absence of regulatory oversight on digital subscription pricing raises questions about consumer protection in the digital economy.
Netflix has once again raised its subscription fees in Nigeria, marking the third price hike since 2024. Effective July 4, 2025, the Premium plan will cost ₦8,500 per month, up from ₦7,000—a 21.4% increase. The Standard plan has risen by 18.2% to ₦6,500, while the Basic and Mobile plans now stand at ₦4,000 and ₦2,500, reflecting increases of 14.3% and 13.6% respectively.
Netflix attributes these adjustments to its global pricing strategy aimed at supporting content expansion and platform improvements. In communications to shareholders, the company stated, “As we invest in and improve Netflix, we’ll occasionally ask our members to pay a little extra to reflect those improvements.”
However, these price increases come at a time when Nigerian consumers are grappling with significant economic pressures. The country is experiencing high inflation rates, with the naira’s devaluation impacting purchasing power. Additionally, telecom operators have recently raised data costs by 50%, further straining consumers’ budgets.
The lack of regulatory oversight on digital subscription pricing in Nigeria means that companies like Netflix can adjust prices without formal approval. This contrasts with traditional pay-TV services, which are subject to tariff regulations by bodies like the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). The disparity raises concerns about consumer protection in the rapidly growing digital subscription market.
Earlier in May, Netflix quietly increased subscription fees in South Africa by almost 20%, affecting Standard, Premium, and Mobile plans. Unlike the hike for Nigerian customers and previous hikes that coincided with broader economic volatility, this price increase came amid a relatively stable economy.
As digital services become increasingly integral to daily life, the need for regulatory frameworks that ensure fair pricing and protect consumers becomes more pressing. Without such measures, there’s a risk that essential digital services may become inaccessible to a significant portion of the population.
In the meantime, Nigerian consumers may need to reassess their digital subscriptions, balancing the value offered against the growing costs in a challenging economic environment.
