FCCPC Orders MultiChoice to suspend price hike pending investigation

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, (FCCPC), has directed MultiChoice Nigeria, the operators of DSTV and GOTV, to maintain its current subscription prices until the conclusion of an ongoing investigation into the company’s proposed tariff increase.

The directive was contained in a statement by the Director of Corporate Affairs at the FCCPC, Ondaje Ijagwu, on Thursday.

This follows MultiChoice’s request for an extension regarding its scheduled appearance before the commission.

Although the FCCPC has granted the request, the company is now required to appear at a rescheduled investigative hearing on 6 March 2025, along with all relevant officers and a comprehensive response to the commission’s inquiries.

As part of the regulatory intervention, MultiChoice was instructed to maintain the existing price structure as of 27 February, pending the outcome of the investigation. The FCCPC emphasized that enforcing a status quo on pricing is necessary to prevent potential consumer harm.

“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,” it said.