Nigerian watchdog suspends MultiChoice price hike amid probe
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The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission has instructed MultiChoice Nigeria – the operator behind DStv and GOtv – to put a hold on its planned subscription price increase. In a statement issued on Thursday and signed by Director of Corporate Affairs Ondaje Ijagwu, the commission stressed that the move is essential to protect consumers from potential exploitation while it scrutinises the company’s proposed tariff adjustments.
This directive follows MultiChoice’s request for an extension to its scheduled appearance before the regulator. Initially, the company’s Chief Executive Officer was due to be heard on February 27; however, following the request, the FCCPC has rescheduled the investigative hearing to March 6, 2025. The rescheduled session will see the CEO and other senior officers submit a comprehensive response.
Under the commission’s order, MultiChoice is required to maintain its existing price structure as of February 27, 2025, until the inquiry is concluded. This price freeze comes as a precautionary measure to prevent arbitrary pricing adjustments amid mounting concerns over the operator’s history of recurrent price increases.
Earlier, MultiChoice had alerted its customers to a forthcoming price review, scheduled to take effect on March 1, 2025, citing rising costs in the delivery of premium content. While the Compact Plus and Premium bouquets are set to remain at N30,000 and N44,500 respectively, the DStv Compact package is among those expected to be affected by the price increase.
Further updates are anticipated from the FCCPC as the investigation continues.
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