The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has directed MultiChoice Nigeria to maintain its current subscription rates pending the outcome of an ongoing investigation into its proposed price hike.
This decisive intervention follows MultiChoice Nigeria’s request for an extension of its scheduled appearance before the Commission, which has now been rescheduled for March 6, 2025.
In a statement issued on Thursday by Ondaje Ijagwu, Director of Corporate Affairs, the FCCPC emphasized that the directive is aimed at preventing consumer exploitation during the investigation period.
“Pursuant to this, MultiChoice is expressly instructed to maintain the existing price structure as of February 27, 2025, pending the Commission’s review and final determination on the matter,” the FCCPC stated.
The move comes after an earlier report by SaharaReporters, which revealed that the FCCPC had summoned MultiChoice Nigeria over its planned increase in subscription rates for DStv and GOtv, set to take effect on March 1, 2025.
The regulatory body has raised serious concerns about MultiChoice’s recurrent unilateral price hikes and the possibility of market dominance abuse. The Commission referenced Sections 32 and 33 of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) to compel MultiChoice’s Chief Executive Officer to appear before its investigative panel.
The FCCPC expressed alarm over MultiChoice’s pricing strategies, suggesting that Nigerian consumers may be facing unfair treatment compared to subscribers in other markets.
“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, raising questions about fairness and possible exploitation,” the Commission stated.
The watchdog has warned of severe regulatory penalties should MultiChoice fail to provide a satisfactory explanation for its pricing model.
> “Should MultiChoice fail to provide satisfactory explanations or be found in violation of fair market principles, the FCCPC will be left with no option but to impose regulatory penalties, sanctions, or other corrective measures to protect Nigerian consumers,” the statement read.
Earlier, MultiChoice Nigeria had announced a new pricing structure for DStv and GOtv, citing rising operational costs.
The proposed price adjustments, scheduled to take effect from March 1, 2025, included:
DStv Premium – N44,500
DStv Compact+ – N30,000
GOtv Supa Plus – N16,800
Despite MultiChoice’s justification, the FCCPC remains firm in its stance that such increments must be subjected to regulatory scrutiny to ensure consumers are not being unfairly burdened.
As the investigation unfolds, the FCCPC has assured Nigerians that further updates will be provided, reinforcing its commitment to protecting consumers from exploitative pricing tactics.
PIONEER NEWS 