The federal government has ordered MultiChoice Nigeria, operators of DStv and GOtv, to suspend the planned upward review of subscription rates for its products, pending the outcome of an ongoing investigation into the company’s proposed tariff adjustment.
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) made this known in a statement by its Director of Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu.
The commission cited the need to protect consumers from potential exploitation during the review process.
The commission said the order followed a request by MultiChoice for an extension regarding its scheduled appearance before it over mounting concerns about the company’s recurrent price increases.
Earlier, the FCCPC had summoned MultiChoice’s Chief Executive Officer to appear before it on February 27 for an investigative hearing.
However, following the company’s request, the commission rescheduled the hearing to March 6, 2025, mandating the attendance of the CEO and relevant officers and the submission of a comprehensive response.
“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 underscored that the price freeze is a precautionary measure to safeguard consumers against arbitrary pricing adjustments while the inquiry is ongoing.
MultiChoice had earlier informed customers of the impending price review, set to take effect on March 1, 2025, attributing the adjustment to the rising costs of delivering premium content.
The FCCPC said further updates would be provided as the investigation progresses.
