House of Reps orders Multichoice to halt DStv, GOtv price hike

The Nigerian House of Representatives has directed Multichoice, the operator of DStv and GOtv, to suspend its planned subscription rate increase, citing the prevailing economic hardship affecting Nigerians.

Multichoice had recently announced new subscription rates set to take effect from March 1, 2025, with the DStv Premium package increasing from ₦37,000 to ₦44,500. Similarly, the Compact+ bouquet was set to rise from ₦25,000 to ₦30,000, while Compact subscribers would see an adjustment from ₦17,000 to ₦19,000.

The House issued this directive following a motion moved by Esosa Iyawe, an All Progressives Congress (APC) lawmaker from Edo State, during plenary on Tuesday.

Lawmakers argued that the steep price hikes would further burden Nigerians, many of whom are already struggling with the rising cost of living.

Iyawe said,

“Multichoice recently announced a hike in subscription rates across all its packages, citing rising operational costs. However, this marks the second increase in less than a year, with the last adjustment made in May 2024.”

He noted that the previous hike triggered widespread public outrage, with many Nigerians, already grappling with economic challenges, abandoning their decoders due to a lack of competition in the pay-TV sector.

“Multichoice’s dominance in the market means any price increase has a widespread impact, putting consumers under undue financial pressure,” he added.

Following the adoption of the motion, the House resolved that Multichoice should suspend the proposed hike pending a thorough investigation.

The lawmakers also mandated the Committee on Commerce to probe the recurring increases in subscription fees, to ensure cost-effective policies for Nigerian consumers.

The committee was given four weeks to submit its findings.