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.
According to the Commission, failure of Multichoice to provide satisfactory explanations on the latest price increment would lead to sanctions.
The Commission in a statement released on Tuesday directed the Chief Executive Officer of MultiChoice Nigeria to attend an investigative hearing at its headquarters on Thursday, February 27, 2025.
FCCPC noted that in summoning the company, it is exercising its mandate under Sections 32 and 33 of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA).
Recurrent price hike
The Commission said Multichoice has formally notified it of the price adjustment, but noted that the decision raises concerns about recurrent unilateral price hikes, potential market dominance abuse, and perceived anti-competitive practices in the pay-TV industry.
“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.
“Should MultiChoice fail to provide satisfactory explanations or be found in violation of fair market principles, the FCCPC will be left left with no other option than to impose regulatory penalties, sanctions, or other corrective measures to protect Nigerian consumers,” the FCCPC stated.
The Commission added that it was also engaging the sector regulator and other relevant agencies to ensure fair competition and consumer protection within Nigeria’s broadcasting and digital subscription landscape.
The latest price increment
Multichoice Nigeria on Monday notified its customers of another price increment across its subscription packages on both DStv and GOtv.
In a notice sent to its customers, the company said the new price regime is to take effect from March 1, 2025.
According to the company, the latest price review will hike the DStv Compact bouquet from N15,700 to N19,000, representing a 25% increase.
- The Compact Plus package will also increase from N25,000 to N30,000, which is 20% increment.
- For the highest package, DStv Premium, the company said the subscription price will go up from N37,000 to N44,500, which also represents a 20% increment.
- GOtv customers, who currently pay N3,600 for the Jinja package will now pay N3,900, while the tariff on GOtv Jolli will rise from N4,850 to N5,800.
- The GOtv Max package will now cost N8,500 instead of the current N7,200, while GOtv Supa will cost N11,400 from the current N9,600. The GOtv Supa Plus package will now go for N16,800 instead of the current N15,700.
MultiChoice claimed the price increase is due to the increasing cost of running a business in Nigeria.
It points to currency depreciation, with the naira’s value dropping significantly and high inflation ballooning its operation expenses.
Add Comment