Newscenter Media News The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has summoned MultiChoice Nigeria, the operator of DStv and GOtv, to explain its planned subscription price increase, set to take effect on March 1, 2025.
This move comes after MultiChoice announced a 21% increase in the subscription fee for its DStv Compact package, raising the price from N15,700 to N19,000, among other price adjustments.
The FCCPC’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu, stated that the regulator had ordered MultiChoice’s Chief Executive Officer to appear at its headquarters on February 27 for an investigative hearing. The summons is a result of concerns over recurring unilateral price increases, which raise questions about fairness, market abuse, and potential anti-competitive practices.
The FCCPC expressed concerns that Nigerian consumers continue to face frequent price increases, amid accusations that MultiChoice applies different pricing strategies in other markets.
“Exercising its mandate under Sections 32 and 33 of the FCCPA, the FCCPC directed the Chief Executive Officer of MultiChoice Nigeria to attend an investigative hearing… This action follows MultiChoice’s formal notification of the price adjustment, which raises concerns about recurrent unilateral price hikes, potential market dominance abuse, and perceived anti-competitive practices in the pay-TV industry,” the statement read.
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The regulator warned that failure to provide a satisfactory explanation or any violation of fair market principles could result in penalties, sanctions, or other corrective measures. The FCCPC is also engaging the sector regulator and other relevant agencies to ensure fair competition and stronger consumer protection in Nigeria’s pay-TV industry.
The summons has been welcomed by consumers, who have been vocal about their dissatisfaction with the frequent price hikes. Many have taken to social media to express their frustration, calling for greater transparency and accountability from MultiChoice.
The FCCPC’s investigation is expected to examine the pricing strategies employed by MultiChoice, as well as the company’s compliance with relevant regulations and laws. The regulator’s findings will be closely watched by consumers and industry stakeholders, who are eager to see whether the FCCPC will take decisive action to protect the interests of Nigerian consumers.
As the FCCPC prepares to grill MultiChoice’s CEO, the company is facing mounting pressure to justify its pricing decisions. With the investigative hearing just days away, all eyes are on the FCCPC to see whether it will take a tough stance on MultiChoice and protect the rights of Nigerian consumers.
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