The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has summoned MultiChoice Nigeria, the operator of DStv and GOtv, to explain its planned subscription price hike, set to take effect on March 1, 2025. The regulatory body has ordered MultiChoice’s Chief Executive Officer to appear for an investigative hearing at its headquarters on February 27 to justify the decision.
This follows MultiChoice’s announcement on Monday of a 21% increase in the subscription fee for its DStv Compact package, raising the price from N15,700 to N19,000. Other packages have also been adjusted, though specific details have not been fully disclosed. The move has triggered widespread backlash from subscribers, many of whom took to social media to criticize the frequent and steep price hikes.
In a statement on Tuesday, FCCPC’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu, expressed concerns over MultiChoice’s repeated unilateral price increases, warning that such actions could constitute market abuse and anti-competitive behavior. The commission cited its mandate under Sections 32 and 33 of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA), which empowers it to investigate and regulate unfair market practices.
“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. This raises serious questions about fairness, potential market dominance abuse, and anti-competitive practices,” the statement read.
The commission emphasized that failure to provide a satisfactory explanation or comply with fair market principles could lead to penalties, sanctions, or other corrective measures against MultiChoice. The regulator is also engaging with the sector’s regulatory body and other relevant agencies to assess the situation and ensure stronger consumer protection in Nigeria’s pay-TV industry.
This is not the first time MultiChoice has faced scrutiny over its pricing structure. Previous price hikes have led to regulatory interventions and lawsuits, with consumers and advocacy groups frequently accusing the company of exploiting its market dominance. However, MultiChoice has often defended its pricing adjustments, citing inflation, currency fluctuations, and rising operational costs as key factors.
Despite the backlash, the company has remained a dominant player in Nigeria’s pay-TV market, with millions of subscribers relying on its services for entertainment, sports, and news. With this latest development, the FCCPC’s intervention could determine whether MultiChoice proceeds with its planned price adjustments or is forced to reconsider its strategy in response to regulatory and consumer pressure.
