By Stanley Onyeka, Lagos
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has directed MultiChoice Nigeria to maintain its current subscription prices until the ongoing investigation into its proposed price hike is concluded.
This directive follows MultiChoice Nigeria’s request for an extension regarding its scheduled appearance before the Commission.
While the FCCPC has granted the request, the company is now required to attend the rescheduled investigative hearing on March 6, 2025, along with all relevant officers and a comprehensive response, it said in a statement signed by the Director, Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu.
The statement reads further: “Pursuant to this, 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.
“Maintaining the status quo on pricing is essential to prevent any potential consumer harm during this period.”
Rec all that the FCCPC had earlier summoned MultiChoice Nigeria to explain its proposed subscription price increase, set to take effect on March 1, 2025.
Exercising its mandate under Sections 32 and 33 of the FCCPA, the FCCPC directed the Chief Executive Officer of MultiChoice Nigeria to attend an investigative hearing at the Commission’s headquarters yesterday.
The Commission noted that MultiChoice’s formal notification of the price adjustment, raises concerns about 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, thereby heightening questions about fairness and market abuse.
It also warned that should MultiChoice fail to provide satisfactory explanations or be found in violation of fair market principles, it will be left with no other option than to impose regulatory penalties, sanctions, or other corrective measures to protect Nigerian consumers.
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.
