FCCPC Summons MultiChoice Over Subscription Price Hike

Daniel Adaji

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission has summoned MultiChoice Nigeria to explain its planned subscription price increase, set to take effect on March 1, 2025.

According to a statement on Tuesday by FCCPC’s Director, Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu, the Commission exercised its mandate under Sections 32 and 33 of the FCCPA to direct the Chief Executive Officer of MultiChoice Nigeria to attend an investigative hearing at the Commission’s headquarters on Thursday.

The FCCPC expressed concerns over “recurrent unilateral price hikes, potential market dominance abuse, and perceived anti-competitive practices in the pay-TV industry.”

“The FCCPC is deeply concerned that Nigerian consumers continue to face frequent price increases, amid accusations that MultiChoice applies different pricing strategies in other markets, heightening questions about fairness and market abuse,” the statement read.

The Commission warned that should MultiChoice fail to provide satisfactory explanations or be found in violation of fair market principles, it would “be left with no other option than to impose regulatory penalties, sanctions, or other corrective measures to protect Nigerian consumers.”

Furthermore, the FCCPC stated that it is “engaging the sector regulator and other relevant agencies to ensure fair competition and consumer protection within Nigeria’s broadcasting and digital subscription landscape.”