By Prosper Okoye
Multichoice Nigeria, the owners of DStv and GOtv, has been summoned by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) to appear before an investigative panel at the Commission’s headquarters on Thursday, February 27th, 2025.
This was disclosed in a statement signed by the FCCPC’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu, on Tuesday.
According to the statement, the summons follows MultiChoice’s decision to increase subscription prices for its cable TV services from March 1, 2025.
Ijagwu noted that the agency acted in line with Sections 32 and 33 of its Act.
“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.
“Should MultiChoice fail to provide satisfactory explanations or be found in violation of fair market principles, the FCCPC will be left with no other option than to impose regulatory penalties, sanctions, or other corrective measures to protect Nigerian consumers.
“Furthermore, the FCCPC is engaging the sector regulator and other relevant agencies to ensure fair competition and consumer protection within Nigeria’s broadcasting and digital subscription landscape,” the statement added.
