The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has summoned MultiChoice Nigeria to justify its planned subscription price increase, warning that it will not tolerate any form of exploitation.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, February 25, by its Director of Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu, the FCCPC directed MultiChoice’s Chief Executive Officer to appear before the commission on Thursday, February 27, 2025, for an investigative hearing at its headquarters.
The move follows MultiChoice’s notification of a new price adjustment set to take effect on March 1, 2025, sparking concerns over recurrent unilateral increases and possible abuse of market dominance 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,” the statement read.
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The commission warned that failure to provide a satisfactory explanation or evidence of anti-competitive behaviour could lead to regulatory penalties and other corrective measures.
“Should MultiChoice fail to provide satisfactory explanations or be found in violation of fair market principles, the FCCPC will be left with no other option than to impose regulatory penalties, sanctions, or other corrective measures to protect Nigerian consumers,” it added.
The agency also revealed that it is working with sector regulators and other relevant bodies to ensure fairness and consumer protection in Nigeria’s broadcasting and digital subscription landscape.
FIRST NEWS had reported MultiChoice announced an increase in the subscription rates for its DStv and GOtv packages, set to take effect on March 1, 2025.
In a statement to customers on Monday, February 24, titled “Price Adjustments for DStv and GOtv Packages,” the company explained that the review was necessary to maintain the quality of its content and technology.
Under the new rates, the DStv Compact package will rise from ₦15,700 to ₦19,000, while Compact Plus will now cost ₦30,000. The Premium subscription will increase to ₦44,500.
For GOtv subscribers, the Jinja package will go up from ₦3,600 to ₦3,900, while GOtv Plus will increase from ₦4,850 to ₦5,800.
The GOtv Max package will cost ₦8,500, Supa will be ₦11,400, and Supa Plus will rise to ₦16,800.
MultiChoice attributed the price hike to Nigeria’s challenging economic conditions, citing currency depreciation and rising inflation, which have significantly impacted its operating costs.