The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has instructed MultiChoice Nigeria, the company behind DStv and GOtv, to suspend its planned subscription price hike. This directive comes as the consumer protection agency continues its investigation into the proposed tariff adjustments by the company.
In a statement released on Thursday, the FCCPC emphasized the importance of protecting consumers from potential exploitation while the review is underway. The statement, signed by the Director of Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu, announced that the price hike would be paused until the investigation is concluded.
This move follows MultiChoice’s request to delay its scheduled appearance before the FCCPC, which had originally been set for February 27, 2025. The request was made due to growing concerns about the company’s repeated price hikes. As a result, the hearing has been rescheduled to March 6, 2025, with a mandatory attendance requirement for MultiChoice’s CEO and other relevant officers, along with a comprehensive response regarding the price increase.
The commission’s decision mandates that MultiChoice maintain the current subscription rates as of February 27, 2025. This freeze on prices will remain in effect while the FCCPC completes its review and issues a final ruling on the matter.
MultiChoice had previously notified its customers of an impending price adjustment set to take effect on March 1, 2025. The company cited rising costs of delivering premium content as the reason for the adjustment. The planned increase would affect various DStv packages, with the Compact Plus and Premium bouquets remaining at N30,000 and N44,500, respectively, while the DStv Compact package was among those set to see a price rise.
The FCCPC has assured that updates on the ongoing investigation will be shared as they progress, underlining its commitment to ensuring fair pricing practices in Nigeria’s pay-TV industry.
As the investigation continues, Nigerian consumers can breathe a sigh of relief, knowing that their current subscription rates will remain intact while the review is in progress. This move highlights the FCCPC’s dedication to safeguarding consumer interests in the face of frequent price hikes within the sector.