Victor Ezeja
MultiChoice Nigeria, the operator of DStv and GOtv, has been ordered by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) to retain its present subscription rates until the investigation into the company’s proposed tariff adjustment is concluded.
Ondaje Ijagwu, the FCCPC’s Director of Corporate Affairs, revealed this in a statement on Thursday.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelDespite granting the company’s request to postpone the session, the FCCPC has now rescheduled the hearing for March 6, 2025, and requires a thorough response to the inquiry from the company’s CEO and other pertinent officers.
“The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has directed MultiChoice Nigeria to maintain its current subscription prices until the ongoing investigation into its proposed price hike is concluded,” part of the statement read.
“This directive follows MultiChoice Nigeria’s request for an extension regarding its scheduled appearance before the Commission. 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. Maintaining the status quo on pricing is essential to prevent any potential consumer harm during this period.”
The agency stressed that the purpose of the price freeze is to stop possible consumer exploitation while the inquiry is ongoing.
Prime Business Africa had reported that the chief executive officer of MultiChoice was previously summoned by the regulator to come before it for an investigative hearing on February 27.
MultiChoice Nigeria announced a 21 per cent increase in the subscription fee for its DStv Compact package, raising the price from N15,700 to N19,000, with effect from 1st March 2025.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with seven years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Master's degree in Mass Communication.
