Yemi Obafemi
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has summoned MultiChoice Nigeria to justify its planned subscription price hike for DStv and GOtv, scheduled to take effect on March 1, 2025.
MultiChoice has notified its customers of an increase in the DStv Premium bouquet price, raising it from N37,000 to N44,500.
MultiChoice also announced that subscribers on the Compact+ package will now pay N30,000 instead of the current N25,000. The new rates will take effect from March 1, 2025.
However in a statement by the Director, Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu, FCCPC summoned MultiChoice Nigeria to attend an investigative hearing at the Commission’s headquarters on Thursday, February 27, 2025.
The statement reads:”Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has summoned MultiChoice Nigeria to explain its proposed subscription price increase, set to take effect on March 1, 2025.
“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 at the Commission’s headquarters on Thursday, February 27, 2025.
“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 FCCPC Is deeply concerned that Nigerian consumers continue to face frequent price increases, amid accusations that MultiChoice applies different pricing strategies in other markets, heightening questions about fairness and market abuse.
“Should MultiChoice fail to provide satisfactory explanations or be found in violation of fair market principles, the FCCPC will be left left with no other option than to impose regulatory penalties, sanctions, or other corrective measures to protect Nigerian consumers.
“Furthermore, the FCCPC is engaging the sector regulator and other relevant agencies to ensure fair competition and consumer protection within Nigeria’s broadcasting and digital subscription landscape.”
