FCCPC summons MultiChoice Nigeria over proposed subscription price hike

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) have summoned MultiChoice Nigeria to provide explanations regarding its planned subscription price increase, set to take effect on March 1, 2025.

The regulatory agency is investigating potential anti-competitive practices and market dominance concerns within the pay-TV sector.

In a statement released on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, the FCCPC directed the Chief Executive Officer of MultiChoice Nigeria to appear before the commission for an investigative hearing at its headquarters on Thursday, February 27, 2025.

This move follows MultiChoice’s official notification of the price adjustment, sparking concerns over recurring unilateral price hikes and their impact on consumers.

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“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 FCCPC is deeply concerned that Nigerian consumers continue to face frequent price increases, amid accusations that MultiChoice applies different pricing strategies in other markets, heightening questions about fairness and market abuse.”

The commission also stated that it is collaborating with the sector regulator and other relevant authorities to ensure that competition remains fair and consumer protection is upheld within Nigeria’s broadcasting and digital subscription industry.

On Monday, February 24, 2025, MultiChoice Nigeria informed its customers of the upcoming price adjustments across all DStv and GOtv packages.

The revised pricing structure includes a 25% increase for the DStv Compact bouquet, which will rise from N15,700 to N19,000. The Compact Plus package will increase by 20% from N25,000 to N30,000, while the DStv Premium plan will jump from N37,000 to N44,500, reflecting a 20% hike.

For GOtv subscribers, the Jinja package will increase from N3,600 to N3,900, while the GOtv Jolli package will rise from N4,850 to N5,800. The GOtv Max package will move from N7,200 to N8,500, while the GOtv Supa plan will increase from N9,600 to N11,400. The highest-tier GOtv Supa Plus will now cost N16,800, up from N15,700.

The FCCPC has warned that failure by MultiChoice to provide satisfactory explanations regarding the price review, or any violation of fair market principles, would result in regulatory actions.

“Should MultiChoice fail to provide satisfactory explanations or be found in violation of fair market principles, the FCCPC will be left with no other option than to impose regulatory penalties, sanctions, or other corrective measures to protect Nigerian consumers.”

The commission reiterated that ensuring a level playing field in the digital subscription industry remains a top priority.

It also acknowledged increasing consumer concerns over frequent price hikes without transparent justifications, vowing to take necessary measures to protect subscribers from unfair business practices.