The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has summoned MultiChoice Nigeria to elucidate its proposed subscription price increment, slated to come into effect on March 1, 2025.
This directive was communicated in a statement endorsed by the Director of Corporate Affairs at FCCPC, Ondaje Ijagwu, and disseminated to journalists in Abuja on Tuesday.
Ijagwu expounded that, in the exercise of its authority as stipulated in Sections 32 and 33 of the FCCPA, the FCCPC has mandated the Chief Executive Officer of MultiChoice Nigeria to appear for an investigative hearing at the Commission's headquarters on Thursday, February 27, 2025.
He emphasized that this course of action was prompted by MultiChoice's formal notification of the impending price adjustment, which has raised apprehensions regarding recurrent unilateral price escalations, potential abuse of market dominance, and alleged anti-competitive behaviors in the pay-TV sector.
The statement reiterated the FCCPC's profound concern over the consistent burden faced by Nigerian consumers due to frequent price hikes, amidst allegations that MultiChoice implements disparate pricing strategies in other markets, thereby amplifying concerns about equity and market misconduct.
A cautionary note was issued stating that, in the event that MultiChoice fails to furnish satisfactory clarifications or is found to be in contravention of equitable market principles, the FCCPC will be compelled to enforce regulatory penalties, sanctions, or other remedial actions to safeguard Nigerian consumers.
Moreover, the FCCPC is actively collaborating with the sector regulator and other pertinent agencies to uphold fair competition and ensure consumer protection within Nigeria's broadcasting and digital subscription sphere.
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