Price Hike: FCCPC Summons MultiChoice, Warns Against Exploitation

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.

Exercising its authority under Sections 32 and 33 of the FCCPA, the FCCPC has directed the Chief Executive Officer of MultiChoice Nigeria to attend an investigative hearing at the Commission’s headquarters on Thursday, February 27, 2025.

This action follows MultiChoice’s formal notification of the price adjustment, raising concerns about ongoing unilateral price increases, potential abuse of market dominance, and perceived anti-competitive practices in the pay-TV industry.

According to Ondaje Ijagwu, the Director of Corporate Affairs, the FCCPC is deeply concerned that Nigerian consumers are facing frequent price hikes. There are accusations that MultiChoice employs different pricing strategies in various markets, which raises questions about fairness and potential market abuse.

It warned that if MultiChoice fails to provide satisfactory explanations or is found to be in violation of fair market principles, the FCCPC will have no choice but to impose regulatory penalties, sanctions, or take other corrective measures to protect Nigerian consumers.

Additionally, it revealed that the FCCPC is collaborating with the sector regulator and other relevant agencies to ensure fair competition and consumer protection within Nigeria’s broadcasting and digital subscription landscape.