GOtv Smallie, Nigeria's most affordable pay-TV package, is priced at ₦1,900 per month and delivers 35+ channels covering news, sports, local entertainment, kids' programming, religious content, and audio channels. The package, formerly known as GOtv Lite, does not include African Magic channels or Big Brother Naija, which require at least the GOtv Jinja and GOtv Jolli tiers respectively. Subscribers can activate the service via the USSD code *288#, the MyGOtv app, the official website, or authorised agents.
Understanding the GOtv Smallie Package
GOtv Smallie is the entry-level plan within MultiChoice Nigeria's GOtv platform, which offers six packages: Supa+, Supa, Max, Jolli, Jinja, and Smallie. As of March 2025, Smallie is the cheapest subscription option, designed for viewers seeking essential entertainment without premium add-ons. The package includes a mix of local Nigerian stations, international news channels, a dedicated kids' channel, and two radio stations.
The price structure offers flexibility: monthly subscription costs ₦1,900, quarterly (three months) is ₦5,100, and an annual plan is ₦15,000. MultiChoice Nigeria announced these rates on 5 February 2025, with the new pricing taking effect on 1 March 2025 as part of a broader restructure affecting both GOtv and DStv packages.
Complete Channel Lineup by Genre
The GOtv Smallie package provides a curated selection of channels across multiple genres. While marketed as having over 35 channels, the exact active count may vary slightly depending on regional terrestrial channel updates. Below is the detailed breakdown:
Sports
Sports enthusiasts get one dedicated channel: SS Blitz (Channel 30), which offers live matches, highlights, and quality sports content.
News
For 24/7 news coverage, the package includes both local and international outlets: Al Jazeera (Channel 40), TVC News Nigeria (Channel 45), NTA News 24 (Channel 46), Channels Television (Channel 48), and NTA Parliament (Channel 115).
General Entertainment
Entertainment options include TVC Entertainment (Channel 27) and Trybe TV (Channel 97).
Documentary and Religious
The documentary offering is Spice TV (Channel 10). Religious channels comprise Faith (Channel 80), Islam Channel (Channel 81), Emmanuel TV (Channel 82), and Dove TV (Channel 83).
Kids and Local Channels
JimJam (Channel 61) is the dedicated kids' channel, popular for entertaining and educational content. Local Nigerian stations include AIT, Silverbird, Wazobia TV, Arewa 24, WAP TV, OGTV, BCOS, RSTV, ITV Benin, EBS, BISCON TV, R2TV, RAVE, Liberty TV, Lagos TV, NTA International, NTA 2, Sunna TV, and ONMAX.
Audio Channels
Radio content includes Naija FM (Channel 301) and Wazobia FM (Channel 303).
Exclusions: African Magic and BBNaija
African Magic channels — including Africa Magic Yoruba, Africa Magic Hausa, and Africa Magic Igbo — are not part of the Smallie package. These channels are available from the GOtv Jinja tier upward. If African Magic content is a priority, subscribers must upgrade to at least GOtv Jinja.
Big Brother Naija (BBNaija) is also unavailable on Smallie. The show aired 24/7 on GOtv Channel 49, which is not included in this package. BBNaija is accessible only on GOtv Supa, Max, and Jolli packages, meaning Smallie subscribers must upgrade to at least Jolli to watch the show.
Subscription Requirements and Methods
Before subscribing, ensure you have a GOtv decoder installed and connected to your TV and antenna, your IUC number (the unique 10-digit number on the red sticker on the decoder, or accessible via the Help button on your remote), a valid payment method (debit card, mobile banking, or mobile wallet), and an active mobile number for USSD or SMS confirmation.
Subscription can be completed through four primary methods:
- USSD code: Dial *288# on your mobile phone (MTN, Airtel, or Glo network), follow the prompts, select the Smallie package, enter your IUC number, choose your subscription duration, and confirm payment via mobile money or a linked wallet.
- MyGOtv app: Download from Google Play Store or Apple App Store, log in with your registered mobile number and IUC number, navigate to the "Pay" or "Renew" section, select Smallie, choose your plan, and complete payment.
- GOtv website: Visit the official GOtv Self-Service website, log in with your registered mobile number or surname and IUC number, verify via OTP, go to the subscription section, select Smallie, and pay with a credit or debit card.
- Bank app or USSD: Many Nigerian banks allow GOtv payments through their mobile USSD codes or ATM. Find the "Cable TV" option, select GOtv, and complete the transaction.
Upgrading and Troubleshooting
To upgrade from GOtv Smallie to access more channels like African Magic or BBNaija, dial *288# and follow the prompts, or use the MyGOtv app's "Manage Subscription" section to select a higher tier such as Jinja, Jolli, or Max.
Common issues and solutions include: for no signal after payment, send "RESET" followed by your IUC number to 4688 via SMS, or dial *288# and follow the prompts; for wrong IUC number, double-check the red sticker on your decoder (typically 10 digits) and call customer care if illegible; for payment deducted but channels not activated, ensure your decoder is switched on during payment and wait up to 30 minutes before contacting customer care; for USSD code not working, try a different network or use the MyGOtv app.
Official Support Channels
For verified support, GOtv Nigeria advises contacting them through official channels: customer care lines at +234 803 904 4688 / 09090630333, MTN toll-free 08149860333, Airtel toll-free 07080630333, Glo toll-free 08113630333, WhatsApp at +234 908 236 8533, SMS short code 4688, email at GOtv.Nigeria@ng.multichoice.com, and the official website at gotvafrica.com. The head office is located at MultiChoice Nigeria Limited, Plot 1381, Tiamiyu Savage Street, Victoria Island, Lagos.
