GOVERNMENT BLOCKS MULTICHOICE SUBSCRIPTION HIKE IN NIGERIA

Nigeria’s consumer watchdog has directed MultiChoice Nigeria to suspend its planned subscription price hike. The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission has said the price hike will depend on an ongoing investigation into the broadcaster’s proposed tariff increase.

MultiChoice distributed a statement informing its subscribers of the increase set to occur from March 1, 2025, saying “This is to enable us to continue offering our customers world-class homegrown and international content, delivered through the best technology.”

The Commission’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu, said it’s their job to protect consumers from potential exploitation during the review process.

Before the statement was released by the Commission, MultiChoice’ Chief Executive Officer was summoned to appear before the Commission on 27 February. An investigative hearing was to be held.

MultiChoice requested a reschedule of the hearing and the Commission obliged to move it out to 6 March. The CEO and their relevant officers were commissioned to attend and submit a comprehensive response.

“As part of this directive, 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.”

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