MultiChoice Nigeria is undergoing a major transition, as its flagship pay-TV service, DStv, grapples with a sharp loss of subscribers while the company ushers in a new Chief Executive to steer operations in an increasingly competitive market.
The pay-TV operator lost about 2.7 million subscribers between 2023 and the end of 2025, shrinking its customer base from 17.2 million to 14.5 million across Africa. The decline, which accelerated over the last 18 months, has been attributed to the rise of cheaper streaming alternatives, falling disposable incomes, and tough economic policies in several African countries, including Nigeria.
As of June 2024, MultiChoice had lost about 1.4 million subscribers, but the figure nearly doubled by the end of 2025, underscoring growing consumer resistance to traditional pay-TV subscriptions amid inflationary pressures and expanding digital options.
The subscriber downturn coincides with a leadership change at MultiChoice Nigeria, a Canal+ company. The firm announced that its long-serving Chief Executive Officer, John Ugbe, has retired after nearly 15 years at the helm.
Ugbe is credited with guiding the company through significant industry disruptions and strengthening its operational foundations during a period of rapid technological change.
He is succeeded by Kemi Omotosho, who assumes office as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Nigeria, from January 2026.
Omotosho brings over two decades of leadership experience spanning media, telecommunications and digital businesses across Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa. Within the MultiChoice Group, she has previously served as Executive Head of Customer Value Management in Nigeria, Group Executive Head of Customer Value Management for Rest of Africa—covering more than 50 markets—and most recently as Regional Director for Southern Africa, overseeing a seven-country portfolio with full profit-and-loss responsibility.
With the Nigerian pay-TV market facing intense pressure from online streaming platforms and price-sensitive consumers, Omotosho is expected to lead a strategic reset focused on customer value, content relevance and operational efficiency.
Reacting to her appointment, Omotosho described the moment as critical for the business. “It is a privilege to be entrusted with the leadership of MultiChoice Nigeria at this important moment. Nigeria remains one of the Group’s most strategic and dynamic markets” she stated, pledging to deepen consumer engagement, champion local storytelling and strengthen the creative economy.
MultiChoice said the retirement of Ugbe and the appointment of Omotosho followed a “structured and orderly transition,” aimed at ensuring stability as the company confronts declining subscriptions and a rapidly evolving entertainment landscape.
Industry analysts say the new leadership will be tested by the need to retain customers, rethink pricing models and compete more aggressively with global and local streaming platforms that are reshaping viewing habits across Africa.
