Nigerian Government Orders MultiChoice To Maintain Current Subscription Rates Amid Investigation
The FCCPC said while it has granted the request, MultiChoice is now required to attend the rescheduled investigative hearing on March 6, 2025, with all relevant officers and a comprehensive response.
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has directed MultiChoice Nigeria to maintain its current subscription prices pending the conclusion of an ongoing investigation into its proposed price hike.
This directive follows MultiChoice Nigeria’s request for an extension regarding its scheduled appearance before the Commission.
The FCCPC said while it has granted the request, MultiChoice is now required to attend the rescheduled investigative hearing on March 6, 2025, with all relevant officers and a comprehensive response.
“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 Commission in a statement on Thursday signed by Ondaje Ijagwu, Director, Corporate Affairs stressed that maintaining the current pricing is necessary to prevent any potential consumer harm during the investigation period.
“Maintaining the status quo on pricing is essential to prevent any potential consumer harm during this period,” the statement added.
This development comes after an earlier report by SaharaReporters 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 had expressed concerns about possible market dominance abuse and anti-competitive practices.
“The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has summoned MultiChoice Nigeria to explain its proposed subscription price increase, which is scheduled to be implemented from March 1, 2025,” the Commission had stated.
Citing Sections 32 and 33 of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA), the FCCPC mandated MultiChoice Nigeria’s Chief Executive Officer to appear for an investigative hearing at its headquarters on February 27, 2025.
The Commission raised concerns over recurrent unilateral price hikes, stating, “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.”
It also warned that failure to provide a satisfactory explanation could lead to regulatory penalties.
“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 increased operational costs.
The price adjustments, effective March 1, 2025, included DStv Premium at N44,500, Compact+ at N30,000, and GOtv Supa Plus at N16,800, among others.
The FCCPC assured that further updates on the investigation would be provided as it progresses.
