The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has directed MultiChoice Nigeria, the operator of DStv and GOtv, to suspend its proposed subscription price hike until the conclusion of an ongoing investigation. The commission issued this directive on Thursday in a statement signed by its Director of Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu, emphasizing the need to protect consumers from potential exploitation.
The regulatory action follows concerns over MultiChoice’s recurrent tariff adjustments, which have sparked criticism from subscribers. The FCCPC had earlier summoned the company’s Chief Executive Officer to appear before it on February 27 for an investigative hearing. However, MultiChoice requested an extension, leading to a rescheduling of the hearing to March 6, 2025.
“As part of this directive, MultiChoice is expressly instructed to maintain the existing price structure as of February 27, 2025, pending the commission’s review and final determination on the matter,” the FCCPC stated. The commission stressed that its intervention was aimed at ensuring fairness in pricing and preventing undue hardship on consumers.
Consumer advocacy groups and subscribers have welcomed the move, calling for more regulatory oversight on service providers. Many subscribers have repeatedly complained about frequent price hikes without corresponding improvements in service quality. “This is a positive step in holding service providers accountable. We hope the FCCPC takes firm action to prevent arbitrary price increases,” said Tunde Alabi, a concerned DStv subscriber in Lagos.
MultiChoice Nigeria has yet to issue an official response to the directive. However, industry analysts believe the company may seek legal avenues to challenge the order, citing past disputes with regulatory bodies over pricing decisions. The company has previously argued that economic factors, such as inflation and foreign exchange rates, necessitate periodic price adjustments.
The FCCPC’s directive highlights the growing scrutiny on pay-TV services in Nigeria, particularly with concerns over transparency in pricing models. The commission reaffirmed its commitment to protecting consumers and ensuring fair competition within the industry. “We remain focused on enforcing compliance with consumer protection laws and will not hesitate to take necessary measures where required,” the statement added.
As the March 6 hearing approaches, stakeholders await the outcome of the FCCPC’s investigation, which could shape future pricing policies in Nigeria’s pay-TV industry. Meanwhile, subscribers are advised to stay informed on further developments regarding the case.
