FCCPC summons MultiChoice Nigeria over planned subscription hike
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has summoned MultiChoice Nigeria to explain its planned subscription price increase, which is set to take effect on March 1, 2025.
The regulatory body, in a statement issued on Monday, directed the Chief Executive Officer of MultiChoice Nigeria to appear before an investigative hearing at the Commission’s headquarters on Thursday, February 27, 2025.
The summons was issued under the FCCPC’s mandate as outlined in Sections 32 and 33 of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA).
The Commission’s action follows MultiChoice’s formal notification of the price adjustment, raising concerns over recurrent unilateral price hikes, potential market dominance abuse, and alleged anti-competitive practices in Nigeria’s pay-TV industry.
The FCCPC expressed deep concern that Nigerian consumers continue to experience frequent price increases, while reports suggest that MultiChoice employs different pricing strategies in other markets. This disparity, according to the Commission, has intensified concerns about fairness and possible market exploitation.
The regulatory agency warned that if MultiChoice fails to provide a satisfactory justification for the increase or is found to be in violation of fair market principles, it may face regulatory penalties, sanctions, or other corrective measures aimed at protecting Nigerian consumers.
The FCCPC further disclosed that it is collaborating with the sector regulator and other relevant agencies to ensure fair competition and consumer protection in Nigeria’s broadcasting and digital subscription landscape.
