The Federal Government has summoned MultiChoice Nigeria over its decision to increase subscription rates for its DStv and GOtv services. The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) issued the summons after customers were notified of the upcoming price adjustments.
MultiChoice recently informed its subscribers that the new rates would take effect from March 1, 2025. Under the revised pricing, the DStv Premium package will rise from N37,000 to N44,500, while the Compact+ package will now cost N30,000 instead of N25,000. Other subscription plans will also see increases, though the exact details were not specified in the notification.
Following the announcement, the FCCPC took immediate action, summoning MultiChoice Nigeria’s Chief Executive Officer to appear for an investigative hearing at its headquarters on Thursday, February 27, 2025.
In a statement, FCCPC’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu, noted that the agency had concerns over what it described as “recurrent unilateral price hikes” by MultiChoice. The commission is also looking into possible abuse of market dominance and anti-competitive practices in the pay-TV sector.
“The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has summoned MultiChoice Nigeria to explain its proposed subscription price increase, set to take effect on March 1, 2025,” Ijagwu stated.
He further noted that FCCPC is deeply concerned about the situation, especially amid accusations that MultiChoice applies different pricing models in other countries.
The commission stressed that if MultiChoice fails to provide a satisfactory explanation or is found to have violated fair market rules, regulatory penalties, sanctions, or corrective measures may be imposed.
