- Safiu Kehinde
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has summoned MultiChoice Nigeria over its proposed hike in subscription price.
FCCPC, in exercise of its mandate entrenched under Sections 32 and 33 of its Act, invited the Chief Executive Officer of MultiChoice Nigeria to attend an investigative hearing at the Commission’s headquarters on Thursday, February 27, 2025.
NPO reported that MultiChoice, yesterday, announced the new increment on its subscription price for DSTV and GoTV packages which is set to take effect from 1 March 2025.
The satellite broadcasting company cited the prevalent economic factors, which led to increase in the company’s operational cost, as reason behind the development.
Reacting in a statement issued on Tuesday by its Director of Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu, the FCCPC summoned the company’s CEO as it raised eyebrow over MultiChoice’s frequent price increase.
The FCCPC, however warned that MultiChoice’s failure to honour the invitation will lead to imposition of regulatory penalties, sanctions, or other corrective measures to protect Nigerian consumers
The statement read in part; “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.
“Exercising its mandate under Sections 32 and 33 of FCCPA, the FCCPC directed the Chief Executive Officer of MultiCh0ice Nigeria to attend an investigative hearing at the Commission’s headquarters on Thursday, February 27, 2025.
“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.
“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.
“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.”