Consumer protection council takes legal action against MultiChoice Nigeria over unauthorised subscription fee hikes

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has filed a lawsuit against MultiChoice Nigeria for hiking DStv and GOtv subscription fees, despite an explicit directive to halt any price increases while an investigation was ongoing.

According to Techpoint, MultiChoice ignored the FCCPC’s instructions and proceeded with the price hikes on March 1, 2025.

The DStv Compact bouquet saw a 21 percent increase, now priced at ₦19,000, while the Premium package skyrocketed to ₦44,500. GOtv subscribers also faced a price hike, with the Plus package now costing ₦5,800.

This marks the second price increase since May 2024, causing widespread frustration among Nigerian consumers already burdened by rising costs.

FCCPC responded by taking legal action, dragging MultiChoice Nigeria and its Chief Executive Officer, John Ugbe, to court.

The commission was accusing the company of disregarding regulatory orders, obstructing the investigation, and engaging in a pattern of disobedience.

In response, MultiChoice had blamed inflation, high energy costs, and the naira’s devaluation for the price hikes.

However, the FCCPC argued that the issue extends beyond monetary concerns—it is about consumer rights, fair competition, and respecting regulatory processes.

MultiChoice’s actions left consumers with no alternative but to accept the higher fees.

This legal action against MultiChoice was not unprecedented.

In April 2024, Barrister Festus Onifade filed a lawsuit against both MultiChoice and the FCCPC over the company’s failure to provide the required one-month notice before increasing subscription fees.

However, that case was delayed after MultiChoice requested a stay of proceedings, pushing the hearing to November 2024.

Eventually, Onifade withdrew the suit amid frustrations over the prolonged delays.

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