By Sarah NEGEDU
Worried by what it describes as a potential market dominance abuse in the pay-TV industry, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, FCCPC, has summoned MultiChoice Nigeria, to explain its proposed subscription price increase, set to take effect on March 1, 2025.
The company, MultiChoice Nigeria, has been accused of incessant price hiking, owing to its dominance in the market and the lack of competition in the industry.
The FCCPC therefore exercising its mandate under Sections 32 and 33 of the FCCPA, directed the Chief Executive Officer of MultiChoice Nigeria to attend an investigative hearing at the Commission’s headquarters on Thursday, February 27, 2025.
Director, Corporate Affairs of the commission, Ondaje Ijagwu, in a statement on Tuesday, said this action follows MultiChoice’s formal notification of the price adjustment, “which raises concerns about recurrent unilateral price hikes, potential market dominance abuse, and perceived anti-competitive practices in the pay-TV industry.
“The FCCPC is deeply concerned that Nigerian consumers continue to face frequent price increases, amid accusations that MultiChoice applies different pricing strategies in other markets, heightening questions about fairness and market abuse.”
The commission therefore threatened to impose sanctions on the company if fails to give satisfactory reasons for proposed hike.
“Should MultiChoice fail to provide satisfactory explanations or be found in violation of fair market principles, the FCCPC will be left left with no other option than to impose regulatory penalties, sanctions, or other corrective measures to protect Nigerian consumers.
“Furthermore, the FCCPC is engaging the sector regulator and other relevant agencies to ensure fair competition and consumer protection within Nigeria’s broadcasting and digital subscription landscape.”
