FCCPC Sues MultiChoice Nigeria Over DStv and GOtv Subscription Fee Hikes

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has taken legal action against MultiChoice Nigeria, the company behind DStv and GOtv, over its recent subscription fee hikes. This comes after MultiChoice ignored a clear directive from the FCCPC last week to suspend any price increases while an ongoing review was being conducted. Despite this warning, MultiChoice went ahead and raised its prices on March 1, 2025, leaving Nigerians frustrated and angry.

The new rates have hit customers hard. The DStv Compact package now costs ₦19,000, up by 21%, while the Premium package has jumped to ₦44,500. GOtv subscribers are also affected, with the Plus package now priced at ₦5,800. This marks the second price hike in less than a year, as MultiChoice previously increased its subscription fees in May 2024. For many Nigerians already struggling with rising living costs, this latest move feels like an added burden.

In response, the FCCPC has sued MultiChoice Nigeria and its CEO, John Ugbe. The commission accuses the company of disobeying regulatory orders, obstructing an ongoing investigation, and showing a pattern of disregard for consumer protection laws. According to the FCCPC, this isn’t just about the higher prices; it’s about ensuring that consumers’ rights are respected and that companies follow fair competition rules. By ignoring regulatory processes and leaving customers with no alternative but to pay higher fees, MultiChoice has crossed a line, says the FCCPC.

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MultiChoice has defended its decision by pointing to economic challenges such as inflation, rising energy costs, and the weakening naira. While these are valid concerns for any business operating in Nigeria’s tough economic climate, many Nigerians feel that the company’s actions show little regard for their financial struggles. The FCCPC sues MultiChoice over subscription fee hikes not only to address these grievances but also to set a precedent for corporate accountability.

Interestingly, this isn’t the first time MultiChoice has faced legal trouble over its pricing decisions. In April 2024, a lawyer named Barrister Festus Onifade sued both MultiChoice and the FCCPC itself over subscription fee hikes. Onifade argued that MultiChoice failed to provide customers with the required one-month notice before increasing prices. However, after months of delays caused by legal maneuvers from MultiChoice, Onifade eventually withdrew his case in frustration.

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The current lawsuit by the FCCPC marks a significant escalation in efforts to hold MultiChoice accountable. By taking this matter to court, the commission aims to send a strong message that companies cannot act above regulatory authority or disregard consumer rights. As Nigerians wait for updates on this legal battle, many hope it will lead to fairer practices in how subscription fees are managed.

For now, all eyes are on the courts as this case unfolds. Will MultiChoice be forced to roll back its price increases? Or will it successfully defend its actions as necessary for business survival? One thing is certain: this issue has reignited debates about corporate responsibility and consumer protection in Nigeria.

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