The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has filed a suit against MultiChoice Nigeria over the new cable TV tariff hike. Multichoice, owners of DSTV and GOTV, had announced a new pricing template, indicating an increase in its subscription fee for both TV services.
Following the new hike, the FCCPC had asked Multichoice to maintain its pricing structure for its pay-TV business DSTV and GOtv pending the conclusion of a review of its proposed price hike.
Despite the directive, the company proceeded with its price increase on March 1, 2025, in clear defiance of the commission’s directive.
In reaction to this, the FCCPC released a statement notifying Multichoice of the legal action that had been taken. In the statement, the agency said “Following this blatant disregard for regulatory oversight, the FCCPC has filed charges against MultiChoice Nigeria and John Ugbe at the Federal High Court, Lagos Judicial Division, on three counts of offences … for willfully obstructing the commission’s inquiry by implementing a price hike contrary to directives,”
- Advertisement -
The new price template has continued to generate reactions among Nigerians with many condemning its given the already high inflation and cost of living in the country.
Also, Multichoice has had a few runnings with the authorities in Nigeria. Last year, reached a settlement with Nigerian tax authorities for its local subsidiary and agreed to pay a total tax amount of about $37.3 million.
