The Federal Commission of Nigeria and Consumer Protection (FCCPC) summoned the Chief Executive Officer of Nigeria Multi-Chien for a survey audience on the last increase in the company’s subscription prices, which sparked a consumer.
The regulatory organization, exercising its powers under articles 32 and 33 of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection ACT (FCCPA), ordered the multicoice to appear before it on Thursday, February 27, 2025, at its registered office in Abuja to justify the increases in DSTV and GOTV rate.
The intervention of the FCCPC intervenes in the middle of the growing complaints of consumers concerning the frequent price increases of multichicoice, that many Nigerians have labeled the exploitation. In its declaration, the Commission noted that Nigerian consumers continue to face repeated price increases, even if the company applies different price strategies on other markets. This, according to the agency, raises concerns about equity, potential market violence and the treatment of Nigerian consumers compared to their counterparts in other African countries.
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“The FCCPC is deeply concerned that Nigerian consumers continue to deal with frequent price increases, in the midst of accusations that Multichoice applies different price strategies on other markets, increase questions on equity and market abuses,” said the agency in a declaration.
Multichoice announced earlier this week that, as of March 1, 2025, the subscription prices in all DSTV and GOTV packages will increase. The changes include:
- DSTV Compact goes from 15,700 N to 19,000 N (+ 25%).
- DSTV Compact more from 25,000 N to 30,000 N (+ 20%).
- DSTV Premium, the highest plan, goes from 37,000 N to 44,500 N (+ 20%).
- Gotv Jinja goes from 3,600 n to 3,900 N.
- Gotv Jolli goes from 4,850 n to 5,800 N.
- Gotv Max goes from 7,200 N to 8,500 N.
- GOTV SUPA goes from 9,600 n to 11,400 N.
- Gotv Supa Plus, the most expensive Gotv package, jumps from 15,700 N to 18,800 N.
This price adjustment follows a similar increase in 2024, where multi-chien subscription rates increased, citing inflation, devaluation of currencies and the increase in operational costs. Nigerian consumers argue, however, that these increases are unjustified, as there has been no significant improvement in the quality of services, diversity of content or customer experience.
FCCPC warning: regulatory sanctions on the table
The FCCPC has said clearly Whether Multichoice must provide a satisfactory explanation for new price adjustments or regulatory sanctions, penalties or corrective measures. The Commission stressed that consumer protection against arbitrary prices in the television television industry remains a priority.
“If Multichoice fails to provide satisfactory explanations or to be found in violation of fair market principles, the FCCPC will not remain other than imposing regulatory penalties, sanctions or other corrective measures to protect Nigerian consumers,” said the Commission.
The FCCPC has also noted that it engages with the regulatory organizations of the broadcasting sector to ensure fair competition and prevent the exploitation of consumers in the Nigeria industry with digital subscription.
Just another tour in the Battle of Multichoice Price Hike
Multichoice Nigeria is not new in regulatory control, after having faced multiple proceedings, a regulatory assignment and requests for information from Nigerians, regulators and legislators on its pricing strategy. However, in almost all cases, the company successfully defended its position before the courts and regulatory hearings, emerging victorious against attempts to force prices.
The cable television company based in South Africa has constantly argued that its price structure is dictated by market forces, inflation and operational costs, leaving regulators with little to be able to intervene in what the company maintains is a commercial decision.
Given these history, Nigerians remain skeptical about the capacity of the FCCPC to force any significant change, many stressing that past regulatory actions have not done much to stop the recurring price increases.
One of the main frustrations among Nigerian consumers is the lack of viable alternatives to Multichoice DSTV and GOTV services. Although there were some competitors, such as StarTimes and TSTV, they failed to correspond to Multichoice terms of Contents, sports cover and reliability. Consequently, many Nigerians feel trapped, without choice to continue to pay higher prices for essential sports, entertainment and news content.
Some have called on the government to encourage new players to enter the paid television market to break the quasi-monopoly of Multichoice. Others argue that allowing Netflix, Amazon Prime and other streaming services to operate freely without excessive regulatory charges could provide a more competitive alternative.
