FCCPC Orders Suspension of Fee Hike by MultiChoice

By Miracle Ogunde

MultiChoice Nigeria, the operator of DStv and GOtv, has been ordered to maintain its current subscription prices pending the conclusion of an ongoing investigation into the company’s proposed tariff adjustment.

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), gave the directive in a statement on Thursday by its Director of Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu.

The agency also stressed that the decision to freeze prices is aimed at preventing potential consumer exploitation during the investigation period.

The directive follows MultiChoice’s request for an extension regarding its scheduled appearance before the commission over concerns surrounding its recurring price increases.

Although FCCPC granted the company’s request to postpone the session, it has now rescheduled the hearing for March 6, 2025, mandating the company’s CEO, relevant officers, and a comprehensive response to the inquiry.

“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 agency also emphasised that the decision to freeze prices is aimed at preventing potential consumer exploitation during the investigation period.

Earlier, the regulator summoned MultiChoice’s Chief Executive Officer to appear before it on February 27 for an investigative hearing.

MultiChoice had notified its customers on Monday of the impending price adjustment, citing a review of its pricing structure.

While the company stated that the changes were necessary to continue delivering world-class content, the development sparked concerns from subscribers.

Under the proposed adjustment, the DStv Compact package would be increased, while the Compact Plus and Premium bouquets would remain at N30,000 and N44,500, respectively.

In its notice titled “Price Adjustments for DStv and GOtv Packages,” the company said, “Dear Customer, please note that effective March 1, 2025, there will be a price adjustment on all DStv packages.