Netflix has once again raised its subscription fees in Nigeria, marking the third increase since 2024. This adjustment, which took effect in May 2025, has affected all subscription tiers, with the Premium Plan experiencing the biggest jump.
The Premium Plan now costs ₦8,500 per month, up from ₦7,000. That’s a 21.43% increase. The Standard Plan has gone from ₦5,500 to ₦6,500, an 18.18% rise. The Basic Plan increased from ₦3,500 to ₦4,000, while the Mobile Plan moved from ₦2,200 to ₦2,500. These represent increases of 14.29% and 13.64% respectively.
Netflix explained that the latest price hike is part of its global pricing structure. The company said in a previous communication to shareholders that as it continues to invest in improving its content and technology, some pricing adjustments will follow. “As we invest in and improve Netflix, we’ll occasionally ask our members to pay a little extra to reflect those improvements. Which in turn helps drive the positive flywheel of additional investment to further improve and grow our service,” the company stated.
Although inflation was not directly mentioned in this recent update, Netflix’s website notes that economic changes in local markets affect subscription costs. “Price changes are made to respond to local market changes, such as changes to local taxes or inflation,” the site explains.
The decision comes as Nigeria continues to face economic pressures, with inflation on the rise and the naira weakening against the dollar. Many digital and entertainment companies operating in the country have also revised their pricing. Google, Microsoft, MultiChoice (operators of DSTV and GOtv), and other digital services have recently announced similar increases. These companies say the changes are necessary to stay afloat in a challenging economic climate.
With this latest increase, some Nigerian subscribers have expressed concern about affordability. For families managing tight budgets, the rising cost of streaming services may force them to downgrade their subscription or even unsubscribe. Others may seek cheaper or free alternatives online.
In a related issue, several users have raised complaints about difficulties using Nigerian payment cards to subscribe to Netflix. One subscriber shared their experience: “I consulted with Netflix, telling them I’m travelling to Nigeria and wanted to subscribe using my local card. In the end, they told me that the country requires local payment method to subscribe.” This kind of policy may pose a challenge for Nigerians in the diaspora or travellers who wish to access the service while in the country.
Netflix, which first entered the Nigerian market in 2016, has since built a solid user base in the country, thanks in part to its growing catalog of Nollywood titles and African originals. However, the streaming giant is now walking a tightrope, balancing investment in local content with the need to keep its services affordable in a struggling economy.
As the economic environment evolves, it remains to be seen whether Netflix will introduce flexible payment models or bundle offers for Nigerian customers. For now, subscribers are being asked to pay more, at a time when disposable income is shrinking and inflation continues to eat deep into household budgets.
Netflix has not confirmed when or if another price adjustment will occur this year, but industry observers say that more hikes may be possible if the naira continues to fall or inflation worsens.
