Streaming giant Netflix has announced a new round of subscription price increases for Nigerian viewers, marking its third adjustment in less than a year.
Effective immediately, all four of Netflix’s local plans have been repriced upward to align with evolving market conditions, including ongoing inflation and recent telecom data cost surges.
According to the updated fee schedule on Netflix’s Nigerian website, the Premium Plan—which offers Ultra HD streaming and support for up to four simultaneous screens—now carries a monthly charge of N8,500, up from N7,000, representing a 21.43% increase.
The Standard Plan (HD quality, up to two screens) has risen to N6,500 per month from N5,500, an 18.18% jump. Meanwhile, the Basic Plan (SD quality, single screen) now costs 4,000, up 14.29% from 3,500. Finally, the entry-level Mobile Plan—tailored for smartphone-only streaming—has been adjusted upward by 13.64%, from N2,200 to N2,500.
In 2024 alone, Netflix implemented two price increases for Nigerian subscribers: first in April and again in July. At the time, the company cited a broader “global pricing strategy” intended to enhance investment in original and licensed content.
“As we invest in and improve Netflix, we’ll occasionally ask our members to pay a little extra to reflect those improvements,” Netflix stated in a letter to shareholders. “This helps drive the positive flywheel of additional investment to further improve and grow our service.”
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While Netflix did not explicitly attribute the latest hike to inflation, it acknowledged that local market dynamics—including taxes, regulatory levies, and rising operational costs—play a role in pricing decisions.
Analysts note that the timing coincides with Nigeria’s persistently high inflation rate, which has driven up the cost of basic goods and services. Households are already feeling the pinch of soaring food prices, and home entertainment—traditionally considered an affordable leisure option—is gradually slipping out of reach for many.
This strain is compounded by a recent 50% increase in data costs following telecom operators’ upward tariff adjustments, further raising the barrier for streaming services that rely heavily on internet connectivity.
Beyond Nigeria, Netflix has been readjusting its subscription fees in several key markets worldwide. In the United States, the company implemented a price increase in May 2025, pushing the Standard Plan from $15.49 to $16.49 per month. Similarly, subscribers in the United Kingdom and France saw modest rises in March, with the Standard Plan climbing by £1 to £12.99 and by €1 to €11.99, respectively. In Africa, Netflix’s South African arm unveiled its own set of price changes last month: the Mobile Plan rose from R49 ($2.67) to R59 ($3.21) per month (a 20% increase), the Standard Plan jumped from R159 ($8.70) to R179 ($9.78), and the Premium Plan moved from R199 ($10.87) to R229 ($12.53). Only South Africa’s Basic Plan remained unchanged at R99 ($5.40).
The Nigerian price hike has been met with mixed reactions. Some subscribers argue that the adjusted rates are still competitive compared to pay-TV alternatives, while others warn that further increases could push low- and middle-income viewers toward illicit streaming options.
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“I’ve been a Netflix user for over three years, but with data prices now so high, an N8,500 Premium plan begins to feel unsustainable,” said Oluwakemi Adeoye, a Lagos-based subscriber. “If this continues, I might downgrade to the Mobile Plan or consider canceling altogether.”
Netflix’s decision comes on the heels of similar moves by MultiChoice Nigeria, the country’s leading pay-TV provider. In early 2025, MultiChoice implemented multiple incremental price increases across its DSTV and GOtv bouquets, triggering widespread customer dissatisfaction and the formation of consumer advocacy groups demanding greater transparency and value for money.
For now, Netflix maintains that its newest fee structure will enable further investment in both local and international content, including upcoming Nollywood commissions and Nigerian-accented original series.
Netflix’s Sub-Saharan Africa vice president, Adesuwa Onyenokwe, said in a press briefing last month, “Our commitment to Nigerian storytelling has never been stronger. These pricing adjustments will help us deliver even more high-quality content to our subscribers.”