The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission has summoned MultiChoice Nigeria to address its proposed subscription price hike, scheduled to take effect on March 1, 2025.
In accordance with the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act’s Sections 32 and 33, the FCCPC has ordered MultiChoice Nigeria’s CEO to show up for an investigative hearing at the Commission’s headquarters on Thursday, February 27, 2025.
This action follows MultiChoice’s formal notification of the price adjustment, raising concerns about recurrent unilateral price hikes, potential abuse of market dominance, and perceived anti-competitive practices within the pay-TV industry.
The FCCPC voiced great worry that Nigerian customers continue to experience repeated price rises, despite charges that MultiChoice uses alternative pricing tactics in other areas, raising questions about fairness and potential market abuse.
The Commission noted that if MultiChoice fails to provide adequate reasons or is determined to have violated fair market principles, it may impose regulatory penalties, sanctions, or other corrective measures to protect Nigerian consumers.
Moreover, the FCCPC is working alongside the sector regulator and other pertinent agencies to guarantee equitable competition and safeguard consumer interests in Nigeria’s broadcasting and digital subscription market.
This progression follows earlier situations where MultiChoice was examined for raising subscription prices.
Specifically, in September 2022, the Competition and Consumer Protection trial in Abuja fined a ₦25million on MultiChoice Nigeria for violating the ban on the increase of its service price.
The current intervention of FCCPC emphasizes the commitment to protect the interests of consumers and promote a competitive market in the field of Nigeria television paid sector.
