By Jemimah Wellington, JKNewsMedia Reporter
SUBSCIRPTION PRICES for DStv and GOtv customers have been raised by MultiChoice Nigeria, disregarding a directive from the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) to halt the increase pending an investigation.
The new pricing took effect on Saturday, March 1, 2025, igniting public outrage and raising concerns about consumer rights protection in Nigeria.
John Ugbe, CEO of MultiChoice Nigeria, justified the increase by citing rising operational costs.
In a statement, he acknowledged the impact on subscribers but maintained that the company remains committed to providing high-quality content and services.
“We understand the impact this change may have on you – our valued customer, but the rise in the cost of business operations has led us to make this difficult decision,” Ugbe stated.
The updated pricing structure shows a significant increase across all subscription tiers.
DStv Premium now costs ₦44,500, up from ₦37,000, while Compact has risen to ₦19,000 from ₦15,000.
Confam subscribers now pay ₦11,000 instead of ₦9,000, and Yanga customers face a new fee of ₦6,000, up from ₦5,100.
The lowest-tier package, Padi, has increased from ₦3,600 to ₦4,400.
GOtv subscribers have also been affected by the hike.
The GOtv Super Plus package now costs ₦16,800, up from ₦15,700, while the Supa package has increased to ₦11,400 from ₦9,600. Other packages, including Max, Joli, Jinja, and Smallie, have also seen price increases.
The FCCPC had previously intervened following widespread complaints from Nigerian consumers.
On February 25, 2025, the commission directed MultiChoice Nigeria to suspend the planned price increase and summoned the company’s CEO for an investigative hearing on February 27, 2025.
However, MultiChoice sought an extension, pushing the hearing to March 6, 2025.
Despite the pending investigation, MultiChoice proceeded with the price adjustments, drawing further criticism.
The FCCPC has yet to issue an official response to the company’s decision, but legal and regulatory experts warn that the pay-TV giant’s defiance could result in significant penalties.
Subscribers have taken to social media to express their frustration, accusing MultiChoice of operating with impunity.
Many have called for stronger regulatory action and increased competition in the Nigerian pay-TV market to prevent monopolistic practices.
Consumer rights advocates have urged the government to take decisive steps to address the issue, arguing that MultiChoice’s dominance in the market leaves Nigerians with limited alternatives.
Industry analysts suggest that the situation underscores the urgent need for policy reforms to ensure fair pricing and competitive practices in the pay-TV sector.
Meanwhile, Nigerians await the FCCPC’s next move.
