FCCPC Summons MultiChoice Nigeria Over Upcoming Subscription Price Hike
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has officially summoned MultiChoice Nigeria to answer questions regarding its planned subscription price increase, set to take effect on March 1, 2025. In a statement released on February 25, 2025, the FCCPC required the Chief Executive Officer of MultiChoice Nigeria to appear at the commission’s headquarters in an investigative hearing scheduled for February 27, 2025.
The commission’s inquiry follows MultiChoice’s formal notification of the price changes, which has raised alarms about the company’s pattern of unilateral price hikes, potential abuse of market dominance, and anti-competitive behaviors within Nigeria’s pay-TV industry.
According to the FCCPC, “In fulfilling its duties under Sections 32 and 33 of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA), the commission has requested the Chief Executive Officer of MultiChoice Nigeria to attend the hearing. The FCCPC is increasingly concerned about the frequent price rises that Nigerian consumers face, particularly amid allegations that MultiChoice employs varying pricing strategies in different markets, leading to fairness and market abuse questions.”
Moreover, the agency is collaborating with the sector regulators and other relevant authorities to ensure that competition remains equitable and consumer rights are protected within Nigeria’s broadcasting and digital subscription landscape.
Contextually, Nairametrics reported Monday that the pay-TV provider notified its customers of the new pricing structure effective March 1, 2025, impacting all DStv and GOtv packages. Under the revised rates, the DStv Compact bouquet will increase from N15,700 to N19,000, marking a 25% hike. The Compact Plus package will see a rise from N25,000 to N30,000, equating to a 20% increase, while the top-tier DStv Premium package will jump from N37,000 to N44,500, also reflecting a 20% increment.
For GOtv subscribers, the Jinja package will rise from N3,600 to N3,900, with the GOtv Jolli rate going from N4,850 to N5,800. The GOtv Max package will escalate from N7,200 to N8,500, while the GOtv Supa will increase from N9,600 to N11,400. The highest GOtv offering, Supa Plus, will now cost N16,800, up from its previous price of N15,700.
The FCCPC has cautioned that if MultiChoice fails to provide satisfactory explanations regarding the price adjustments or is found violating fair market principles, it would have to implement regulatory measures. “Should MultiChoice be unable to justify the price changes or if there are violations of market fairness, the FCCPC will have no choice but to impose regulatory penalties, sanctions, or other corrective actions to safeguard the interests of Nigerian consumers,” the statement added.
The commission reinforced its commitment to maintaining a fair competitive environment in the digital subscription sector, especially in light of growing consumer concerns about continuous price increases without adequate justification.
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