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MultiChoice, parent company of DStv and GOtv, has revealed plans to shut down its streaming platform Showmax after more than a decade of operation.
In a message to customers dated March 5, the company said the move follows a strategic review aimed at strengthening its overall digital offerings and ensuring long-term sustainability amid growing competition in the streaming sector.
Originally launched in South Africa in 2015, Showmax expanded over the years to serve audiences across multiple African countries.
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While MultiChoice has not confirmed a specific shutdown date, it assures subscribers that the service will continue operating for the time being, with no immediate action required.
Parts of the message read: “Following a comprehensive review, the Showmax Board has taken the decision to discontinue the Showmax service in the near future.
“We understand that this news may raise questions. Showmax subscribers are a priority for us, and we are working on plans to ensure clear communication and a smooth transition when the time comes.”
The company also promised to share detailed information on timelines and the transition process well ahead of the closure.
“We will share further details well in advance, including timelines and any future steps, should they be required.”
MultiChoice emphasized that protecting the customer experience is a top priority.
“Streaming remains central to our strategy. We will continue to invest in premium content, technology innovation and partnerships to deliver the best possible entertainment experience to our customers,” it added.
The announcement comes shortly after the approval of Canal+’s acquisition of MultiChoice, though the company has yet to provide details on potential impacts for employees or alternatives for current Showmax users.
Petrol prices across southeastern Nigeria climbed sharply this week after Dangote Petroleum Refinery raised its depot price by roughly N110 per litre, pushing pump prices in Anambra, Ebonyi and Enugu states to between N950 and N1,000 — up from N840 to N850 just weeks ago.
Chinedu Anyaso, chairman of the Independent Petroleum Marketers of Nigeria for the Enugu zone, which covers all three states, said the increase was a direct pass-through from the refinery and not a decision by marketers. “The hike is not artificial, it is not arbitrary, it is a direct reflection of the reality we are facing,” he said Wednesday.
Dangote Refinery, which has emerged as a major domestic supplier since coming on stream, adjusted its ex-depot price from N774 to N884 per litre, according to independent marketer Emeka Ugwuagbo. Major fuel retailers nationally moved first, repricing between N930 and N970 per litre on Tuesday. By Wednesday, that adjustment had rippled through filling stations across the region.
In Abakaliki, outlets including NNPC Retail and Rainoil moved prices from N870 to N970 per litre. In Enugu city, stations realigned their pumps to the new range of N950 to N980, up from between N780 and N820 previously.
In more remote areas — Obollo Afor, Orba and Enugu Ezike in Udenu and Igboeze North local government areas — prices reached N1,000 per litre, with independent marketers setting their own rates depending on logistics costs.
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Anyaso warned the situation could deteriorate further. He said the ongoing military conflict in the Middle East, particularly the US-Israeli strikes on Iran, risked disrupting global crude supply chains and pushing international prices higher. “Prices of petroleum products will definitely go higher if the war in the Gulf continues because it will have a negative impact on production and the price of crude,” he said.
In Awka, the Anambra state capital, queues have begun forming at some filling stations — an early indicator of supply pressure.
The lines have added to the anxiety of motorists, traders and civil servants who have watched fuel prices climb repeatedly over the past year.
John Okoh, a food trader, called on the government to intervene. Civil servant Eunice Nwankwo said the frequency of price increases had become a source of sustained hardship. Motorist Peter Onu described the latest jump as shocking, though he stopped short of directing his frustration at any specific authority.
On the transport side, reactions have been cautious. Most commercial drivers said they were holding off on fare increases while they assessed how long the new price level would hold.
