Written by SpringnewsNG Media Limited, March 13, 2025.

The planned price hike for GOtv and DStv subscription packages will proceed as scheduled, following a Federal High Court ruling that restrains the federal government from taking action against MultiChoice Nigeria Limited.

On Wednesday, the Federal High Court in Abuja issued an order preventing the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) from taking “any administrative steps” against MultiChoice Nigeria Limited. This ruling came after the FCCPC directed MultiChoice to halt the price hike and maintain the status quo until investigations into the proposed increase were concluded.

MultiChoice Nigeria’s CEO was summoned to defend the proposed subscription price hikes, which raised concerns over frequent price adjustments, potential market dominance abuse, and anti-competitive practices within the pay-TV industry. However, the court order, issued by Justice James Omotosho in response to an ex parte motion filed by MultiChoice’s lawyer, Moyosore J. Onigbanjo (SAN), under suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/379/2025, allowed MultiChoice to proceed with the planned hikes.

MultiChoice Increases Prices Again

Just weeks ago, MultiChoice Nigeria announced another price hike, raising the DStv Compact package from N15,000 to N19,000, Compact Plus from N25,000 to N30,000, and the Premium package from N37,000 to N44,500.

GOtv subscribers were also affected, with the Super Plus package increasing from N15,700 to N16,800, and the Super package rising from N9,600 to N11,400. Other packages saw similar hikes: Max at N8,500 (up from N7,200), Joli at N5,800 (up from N4,850), Jinja at N3,900 (up from N3,300), and Smallie at N1,900 (up from N1,575).

This price hike, averaging 21%, comes just nine months after the previous increase in May 2024, which MultiChoice attributed to inflation and rising operational costs. Customers expressed frustration on social media, lamenting the lack of competition in the pay-TV market.

House of Reps Intervenes

In response to public outcry, the House of Representatives directed MultiChoice Nigeria to halt the price increase. The House’s Committee on Information was tasked with investigating the “arbitrary increase in subscription prices” after a motion of urgent public interest was adopted, sponsored by Edo State lawmaker Esosa Lyawe.

MultiChoice Defies FG, Implements Hike

Despite the FCCPC’s directive, MultiChoice Nigeria implemented the new subscription rates on March 1, 2025. The announcement was made on February 27, 2025, and findings by Legit.ng confirmed that the new prices took effect as scheduled. This marks the second price hike in 10 months, further fueling customer dissatisfaction and calls for increased competition in the pay-TV market.