The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has directed MultiChoice Nigeria to maintain its current subscription prices until the ongoing investigation into its proposed price hike is concluded.

MultiChoice officially announced an increase in the price of subscriptions for its DStv and GOtv packages on February 24.

The development came nearly one year after MultiChoice hiked its subscription rates.

In the latest price adjustment, the pay-TV firm said from March 1, customers on the DStv premium bouquet will pay N44,500, compared to the current rate of N37,000, and those on Compact+ would pay N30,000 – up from N25,000.

Customers on Compact bouquet will pay N19,000 — up from N17,000.

The price hike had elicited public censure following the announcement, forcing the FCCPC to intervene.

On February 25, the FCCPC directed the chief executive officer of MultiChoice Nigeria to appear at its headquarters on Thursday for an investigative hearing to address the company’s planned increase in DStv and GOtv subscription fees.

Providing updates in a statement on Thursday, Ondaje Ijagwu, director of corporate affairs at the FCCPC, said the commission’s directive follows company’s request for an extension regarding its scheduled appearance before the commission.

“While the FCCPC has granted the request, the company is now required to attend the rescheduled investigative hearing on March 6, 2025, along with all relevant officers and a comprehensive response,” Ijagwu said.

“Pursuant to this, 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.”

The director said maintaining the status quo on pricing is essential to prevent any potential consumer harm during the probe period.

He said further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.