FCCPC summons DStv, GOtv operators over recent price hike

From Fred Ezeh, Abuja

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) said on Tuesday that it has summoned MultiChoice Nigeria, operators of DSTV and GOTV, to explain the proposed subscription price increase set to take effect on 1st March 2025.

The Commission said the action follows recent notification of the price adjustment, which raised concerns about recurrent unilateral price hikes, potential market dominance abuse, and perceived anti-competitive practices in the pay-TV industry.

Ondaje Ijagwu, Director of Corporate Affairs, FCCPC, in a statement, noted that the FCCPC’s action was a clear exercise of its mandate under Sections 32 and 33 of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA).

He said that the FCCPC had directed the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of MultiChoice Nigeria to attend an investigative hearing at the Commission’s headquarters on Thursday, 27th February 2025.

He further stressed that 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.

Ijagwu said 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, thus heightening questions about fairness and market abuse.

He assured Nigerians that 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.