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.
In a statement on Tuesday, FCCPC’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu, confirmed that MultiChoice’s Chief Executive Officer has been ordered to appear before the commission on February 27 for an investigative hearing.
This development follows MultiChoice’s announcement of a 21% price hike on its DStv Compact package, increasing the cost from N15,700 to N19,000, alongside other adjustments. The price review sparked widespread backlash, with subscribers criticizing the company over frequent price increases.
The FCCPC expressed concerns about MultiChoice’s repeated unilateral price hikes, warning that such actions could indicate market abuse and anti-competitive behavior.
“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.
The commission warned that failure to provide a satisfactory explanation could lead to penalties, sanctions, or other corrective measures. It also confirmed ongoing engagement with relevant regulatory bodies to ensure fair competition and stronger consumer protection in Nigeria’s pay-TV industry.
