MultiChoice Stopped from Raising DStv and GOtv Prices in Nigeria

Beulah Godfrey

May 9, 2025
3 min read

The Federal High Court in Abuja has stopped MultiChoice Nigeria from raising the prices of its DStv and GOtv subscription packages. Justice James Omotosho gave the ruling on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, siding with the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC). The judge said the FCCPC has the right to investigate whether MultiChoice is using its power in the market unfairly.

This ruling is a big win for Nigerian customers. Many people and consumer groups had complained about the frequent price increases.

Why the Court Case Started

In February 2025, MultiChoice announced a price increase that was supposed to start on March 1. The DStv Premium package would have gone up from ₦37,000 to ₦44,500. The Compact bouquet would rise from ₦15,700 to ₦19,000. GOtv customers would also face new prices, with the Supa Plus package going from ₦15,700 to ₦16,800.

Nigerians quickly reacted with anger. They pointed out that MultiChoice had already raised prices in May and November 2023, and again in May 2024. Groups like Save the Consumers said the new increase was unfair, especially as Nigeria’s inflation rate is over 30% and the naira keeps losing value. They also said MultiChoice lowered prices in South Africa by 38%, while Nigerian users were paying more.

The FCCPC told MultiChoice to explain its reasons for the increase at a hearing on February 27, 2025. The agency warned that frequent price hikes and market dominance could harm consumers. But MultiChoice went ahead with the price changes anyway. So, the FCCPC filed a lawsuit in Lagos, accusing the company of ignoring regulations and blocking investigations.

What MultiChoice Argued

MultiChoice, through its lawyer Moyosore Onibanjo (SAN), told the court that Nigeria has a free market and the government does not control prices. The company said only the President can approve price regulation, and the FCCPC had no such power. It also claimed Nigerian prices are among the lowest worldwide. For example, DStv Premium costs about $29.81 in Nigeria, while it costs $85.11 in Kenya.

MultiChoice said the price hikes were needed to keep the business running because of inflation and high costs.

Justice Omotosho ruled that the FCCPC can investigate businesses when their actions hurt consumers or reduce competition. He said MultiChoice acted wrongly by raising prices during an ongoing investigation. The judge lifted a previous order that had stopped the FCCPC from acting, which means the commission can now continue its probe and may even issue penalties.

What Happens Next?

Consumer groups like Save the Consumers praised the court’s decision. Its head, Dr. Aliyu Ilias, said this ruling is a big win for Nigerian customers who have suffered under unfair prices for years. He also called on the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to bring more competition into the pay-TV market.

Social media users reacted with joy, asking other pay-TV companies to step up and compete with MultiChoice.

Still, some experts believe MultiChoice faces real problems like a weak naira and rising costs for international content. They warned that blocking price increases might hurt the company’s ability to provide quality service. MultiChoice has not yet said whether it will appeal the ruling or change its pricing.

The FCCPC welcomed the court’s decision and promised to keep protecting Nigerian consumers. The commission said it will continue investigating MultiChoice and could fine the company if it finds wrongdoing.