The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has issued a firm directive to MultiChoice Nigeria, the parent company of popular pay-TV services DStv and GOtv, to refrain from implementing any subscription price increases until an ongoing investigation into the matter is concluded. This development follows reports by *Naija News* that the FCCPC summoned MultiChoice earlier this week to justify the recent upward adjustment in subscription fees for its services, amid concerns over potential abuse of market dominance and anti-competitive behavior in Nigeria�s pay-TV sector.
In an official statement released on Thursday, the FCCPC emphasized that the decision to freeze the price hike is aimed at safeguarding consumers while it conducts a thorough probe into MultiChoice�s pricing practices. The commission expressed apprehension over the unilateral nature of the tariff increases, suggesting they could signal deeper issues of market control and unfair competition.
The statement elaborated: �MultiChoice Nigeria is hereby directed to maintain its current subscription prices as they stand on February 27, 2025, until the investigation into its proposed price adjustments is fully resolved. This instruction comes in response to MultiChoice Nigeria�s request for an extension to its scheduled appearance before the commission. While the FCCPC has approved this request, the company is now mandated to appear at a rescheduled investigative hearing on March 6, 2025, accompanied by all relevant officers and a detailed submission addressing the commission�s inquiries.�
The FCCPC underscored the importance of preserving the existing pricing structure during this period, noting that any changes could inflict undue harm on subscribers. �Upholding the current rates is critical to protecting consumers from potential exploitation while we review the circumstances surrounding the proposed hike,� the statement added. The commission also assured the public that further updates would be provided as the investigation progresses, signaling its commitment to transparency and accountability in resolving the matter.
The summons issued on Tuesday reportedly stemmed from growing public discontent over the recurring price increments imposed by MultiChoice, a dominant player in Nigeria�s pay-TV industry. The FCCPC�s scrutiny reflects its broader mandate to curb practices that undermine fair competition and consumer rights. With the rescheduled hearing set for early March, all eyes will be on MultiChoice as it prepares to defend its pricing strategy before the regulatory body.
As of now, subscribers of DStv and GOtv can breathe a temporary sigh of relief, knowing that the cost of their packages will remain unchanged�at least until the FCCPC delivers its final verdict.
