FCCPC summons MultiChoice over subscription price increase

Customers of the pay-TV provider recently received notifications about the price hike, with the DStv Premium bouquet increasing from N37,000 to N44,500.

Similarly, the Compact+ package will now cost N30,000, up from N25,000. The new pricing takes effect on March 1, 2025.

In response, the FCCPC has summoned MultiChoice Nigeria’s Chief Executive Officer to appear for a hearing at the commission’s headquarters on Thursday, February 27, 2025.

“The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has summoned MultiChoice Nigeria to provide explanations for its proposed price adjustment, which is set to begin on March 1, 2025,” FCCPC’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu, stated on this evening.

“Under Sections 32 and 33 of the FCCPA, the FCCPC has directed MultiChoice Nigeria’s CEO to attend an investigative hearing at the Commission’s headquarters.

“This follows concerns over repeated unilateral price hikes, potential market dominance, and anti-competitive practices within the pay-TV sector.”

Ijagwu emphasized that the FCCPC is “deeply concerned” about the company’s pricing strategy, especially amid claims that MultiChoice applies different pricing models in other markets.

The commission warned that if MultiChoice fails to provide satisfactory justifications or is found in violation of fair market regulations, it could face regulatory penalties, sanctions, or other corrective measures.

FCCPC reiterated its commitment to protecting Nigerian consumers and stated that it is actively collaborating with the sector regulator and relevant agencies to ensure fair competition and consumer rights in Nigeria’s broadcasting and digital subscription industry.