Victor EzejaThe Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has summoned pay TV operator, MultiChoice Nigeria, to explain its proposed subscription price increase.
Prime Business Africa reports that MultiChoice Nigeria announced a 21 per cent increase in the subscription fee for its DStv Compact package, raising the price from N15,700 to N19,000, with effect from 1st March 2025.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelIn a notice to subscribers about the subscription price adjustment, the pay TV company said: “This is to enable us to continue offering our customers world-class homegrown and international content, delivered through the best technology.”
This follows a similar price hike in 2024. The company attributed it to inflation and rising operational costs in Nigeria.
The announcement of the subscription price hike has triggered reactions from subscribers, who lament frequent price hikes without corresponding improved service quality.
In a statement signed by FCCPC Director, Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu, the agency said it summoned multichoice to explain the proposed subscription price increase.
The statement said that in line with sections 32 and 33 of the FCCPA, the FCCPC directed the Chief Executive Officer of MultiChoice Nigeria to appear for an investigative hearing at the Commission’s headquarters on Thursday, 27th February 2025.
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“This action follows MultiChoice’s formal notification of the price adjustment, which raises concerns about recurrent unilateral price hikes, potential market dominance abuse, and perceived anti-competitive practices in the pay-TV industry,” Ijagwu stated.
“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 agency further stated that if Multichoice fails to provide satisfactory explanations or is found to have violated fair market principles, it will be left with no other option than “to impose regulatory penalties, sanctions, or other corrective measures to protect Nigerian consumers.
“Furthermore, the FCCPC is engaging the sector regulator and other relevant agencies to ensure fair competition and consumer protection within Nigeria’s broadcasting and digital subscription landscape.”
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with six years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Masters degree in Mass Communication.
