FG orders Multichoice to suspend DStv, GOtv subscription hike
By Jeffrey Agbo
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has directed MultiChoice Nigeria to suspend its proposed increase in subscription prices pending the outcome of an ongoing investigation.
Multichoice, operator of DStv and GOtv, recently informed customers of the impending price review set to take effect on March 1, 2025, attributing the adjustment to the rising costs of delivering premium content.
According to the notice titled “Price Adjustments for DStv and GOtv Packages,” the company stated: “Dear Customer, please note that effective March 1, 2025, there will be a price adjustment on all DStv packages. This is to enable us to continue offering our customers world-class homegrown and international content, delivered through the best technology.”
However, the FCCPC, in a statement signed by its Director of Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu, on Thursday, asked the company to halt the proposed hike, citing the need to protect consumers from potential exploitation during the review process.
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The commission’s order follows MultiChoice’s request for an extension regarding its scheduled appearance before the regulator over mounting concerns about the company’s recurrent price increases.
The FCCPC earlier summoned MultiChoice’s Chief Executive Officer to appear before it on February 27 for an investigative hearing.
However, following the company’s request, the commission rescheduled the hearing to March 6, 2025, mandating the attendance of the CEO and relevant officers and the submission of a comprehensive response.
“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 statement read.
The FCCPC said that the price freeze is a precautionary measure to safeguard consumers against arbitrary pricing adjustments while the inquiry is ongoing.
