The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has directed MultiChoice Nigeria, the operator of DStv and GOtv, to maintain its current subscription prices pending the conclusion of an ongoing investigation into the company’s proposed tariff adjustment.
The consumer watchdog issued the directive in a statement signed by its Director of Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu, on Thursday.
This decision follows MultiChoice’s request for an extension regarding its scheduled appearance before the commission over concerns surrounding its recurring price increases.
The FCCPC had earlier summoned MultiChoice’s Chief Executive Officer for an investigative hearing on February 27 but granted a postponement. The hearing is now set for March 6, 2025, with the company’s CEO and relevant officers required to provide 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 FCCPC emphasised that the decision to freeze prices is aimed at preventing potential consumer exploitation during the investigation period.
Earlier in the week, MultiChoice had notified its customers of an impending price adjustment, citing a review of its pricing structure.
The company stated that the changes were necessary to continue delivering world-class content.
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.
The company’s notice, titled “Price Adjustments for DStv and GOtv Packages,” informed customers that the new pricing structure would take effect from March 1, 2025.
“This is to enable us to continue offering our customers world-class homegrown and international content, delivered through the best technology,” the company stated.
Meanwhile, the FCCPC has assured consumers that further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.
