The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has directed MultiChoice Nigeria, the parent company of DStv and GOtv, to suspend its proposed subscription price increase until an ongoing investigation is concluded. The regulator issued this directive following MultiChoice’s announcement of a 21% tariff hike across all its packages, set to take effect on March 1, 2025.
In a statement released on Thursday, FCCPC explained that the decision to pause the price adjustment is aimed at protecting consumers from potential exploitation while the investigation is underway. The commission emphasized that MultiChoice must maintain its current pricing structure as of February 27, 2025.
MultiChoice was initially summoned to appear before the FCCPC on February 27 for an investigative hearing but requested a postponement. The hearing has now been rescheduled for March 6, 2025. The FCCPC has mandated the attendance of MultiChoice’s CEO and other key officers, along with comprehensive documentation addressing the inquiry.
The commission highlighted concerns over what it described as recurring unilateral price adjustments by MultiChoice. It noted that such actions raise critical questions about fairness, potential market abuse, and anti-competitive practices within Nigeria’s pay-TV industry.
Proposed Price Adjustments
If implemented, the new pricing would see significant increases across DStv and GOtv packages. For example:
DStv Compact: From ₦15,700 to ₦19,000
DStv Premium: From ₦39,500 to ₦44,500
GOtv Value: From ₦3,600 to ₦3,900
GOtv Plus: From ₦4,850 to ₦5,800
MultiChoice attributed the proposed hike to Nigeria’s challenging economic environment, including naira depreciation, rising energy costs, and inflation, which reached 24.48% in January 2025. In a statement to customers, the company said the adjustment was necessary to continue delivering high-quality content and services.
The FCCPC has expressed deep concern over the frequency of price increases by MultiChoice and allegations of inconsistent pricing strategies across different markets. The commission warned that failure by MultiChoice to provide a satisfactory explanation could result in penalties or other corrective measures.
The regulator reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring fair competition and protecting Nigerian consumers in the pay-TV sector. It also pledged to collaborate with relevant agencies to strengthen consumer rights and promote ethical business practices.
This development comes at a time when Nigerians are grappling with broader economic pressures, including inflation, rising telecom tariffs, and the removal of fuel subsidies, factors that have significantly strained household budgets.
