The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, FCCPC, has ordered MultiChoice Nigeria, the operator of DStv and GOtv, to halt any planned increase in subscription prices.
According to the regulatory body, the directive will remain in effect until it completes an ongoing investigation into the company’s proposed price adjustment. The FCCPC emphasized that MultiChoice must maintain its current pricing structure while the probe is underway.
“This directive follows MultiChoice Nigeria’s request for an extension regarding its scheduled appearance before the Commission,” the commission said.
“While the FCCPC has granted the request, the company is now required to attend the rescheduled investigative hearing on March 6, 2025, along with all relevant officers and a comprehensive response.
“Pursuant to this, 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.”
FCCPC has ordered MultiChoice Nigeria to maintain its current subscription rates, emphasizing that any price hike could negatively impact consumers.
This directive comes in response to MultiChoice’s recent announcement of an upward review of its DStv and GOtv packages, set to take effect from March 1, 2025.
Under the proposed changes, the DStv Premium package would increase from ₦37,000 to ₦44,500, while the Compact Plus plan would rise from ₦25,000 to ₦30,000. Other adjustments include DStv Confam moving from ₦9,300 to ₦11,000, DStv Yanga from ₦5,200 to ₦6,000, and DStv Padi from ₦3,600 to ₦4,000.
Similarly, GOtv Supa Plus would increase from ₦15,700 to ₦16,800, GOtv Supa from ₦9,600 to ₦11,400, and GOtv Max from ₦7,200 to ₦8,500. The GOtv Jinja and Smallie plans were also reviewed to ₦3,900 and ₦1,900, respectively.
Concerned by these adjustments, the FCCPC summoned MultiChoice to an investigative hearing on Thursday, February 27, at its headquarters. The commission has mandated the company to provide a detailed explanation for its decision, stressing the need for transparency and fairness in pricing.
“This action follows MultiChoice’s formal notification of the price adjustment, which raises concerns about recurrent unilateral price hikes, potential market dominance abuse, and perceived anti-competitive practices in the pay-TV industry.
“The FCCPC is deeply concerned that Nigerian consumers continue to face frequent price increases, amid accusations that MultiChoice applies different pricing strategies in other markets, heightening questions about fairness and market abuse,” the commission said.
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