The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has summoned MultiChoice Nigeria over its planned subscription price increase for DSTV and GOtv, set to take effect on March 1.
In a statement on Tuesday, FCCPC spokesperson Ondaje Ijagwu said MultiChoice’s CEO had been directed to appear for an investigative hearing at the commission’s headquarters on Thursday.
The summon follows concerns about repeated price hikes, potential market dominance abuse, and anti-competitive practices in the pay-television 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.
”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 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,” he added.
He warned that if MultiChoice fails to provide a satisfactory explanation or is found in violation of fair market principles, the commission may impose regulatory penalties or other corrective measures.
The FCCPC is also engaging the sector regulator and relevant agencies to ensure consumer protection and fair competition in Nigeria’s broadcasting and digital subscription market.
MultiChoice announced the price adjustments on February 24, stating that the DSTV Compact bouquet would rise from N15,700 to N19,000, Compact Plus from N21,000 to N30,000, and Premium from N29,500 to N44,500.
They informed their customers in a statement entitled “Price adjustments for DStv and GOtv packages.”
For GOtv, the subscription fee for the GOtv Plus package will increase from N4,850 to N5,800, while the basic GOtv package will go from N3,600 to N3,900.
This marks the second price increase in a year, raising concerns among consumers and regulators about affordability and market fairness.
NAN
Follow the Parallel Facts channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaCQSAoHgZWiDjR3Kn2E
