The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has summoned MultiChoice Nigeria, the operator of DStv and GOtv, over 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, revealed that the regulator had ordered MultiChoice’s Chief Executive Officer to appear before the commission on February 27 for an investigative hearing regarding the price adjustment.
The summon follows MultiChoice’s 21% increase in subscription fees, with the DStv Compact package rising from N15,700 to N19,000. The announcement has sparked widespread criticism from subscribers, many of whom took to social media to express frustration over frequent price hikes.
Regulator Questions Fairness and Market Practices
The FCCPC stated that it is concerned about the recurring unilateral price increases, raising questions about fairness, market abuse, and potential anti-competitive practices in Nigeria’s pay-TV industry.
“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,” the statement read.
The commission also noted concerns over MultiChoice’s pricing strategies in Nigeria compared to other markets, suggesting possible market dominance abuse.
Possible Sanctions
The FCCPC warned that failure to provide a satisfactory explanation or any violation of fair market principles could lead to penalties, sanctions, or other corrective measures.
The commission confirmed that it is engaging the sector regulator and other relevant agencies to ensure fair competition and stronger consumer protection in Nigeria’s pay-TV industry.