The House of Representatives has directed Multichoice, the owner of popular Pay TV services DStv and GOtv, to suspend its planned increase in subscription rates due to the country’s current economic realities.
This resolution came after the House adopted a motion moved by Esosa Iyawe, a lawmaker from Edo State and a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
While presenting the motion, Iyawe highlighted the public dissatisfaction over Multichoice’s frequent price hikes, noting that the last increase in May 2024 had already sparked significant public outrage. He stated that many Nigerians, struggling with the rising cost of living, had been forced to abandon their subscriptions.
“The House notes that Multichoice, the owner of Pay TV options DStv and GOtv, recently announced an increase in the prices of all its packages in Nigeria, citing prevalent economic factors leading to increased operational costs as their reason for the proposed increase,” Iyawe explained.
He further expressed concern over the company’s dominance in the pay-TV sector, which he argued leaves consumers with limited options and exposes them to unjustified price increases.
“The 20-25 percent hike in subscription prices would be the second time in less than a year, as the last hike was in May 2024. We are concerned that due to the dominant position of Multichoice in pay-TV, price increases always have a widespread impact and put consumers under undue pressure,” he added.
The lawmaker also pointed out that despite frequent price hikes, there has been no significant improvement in service quality. Many subscribers have taken to social media to express frustration over the arbitrary increases and lack of alternative options in the industry.
With the motion adopted, the House of Representatives has formally called on Multichoice to halt the proposed subscription increase in Nigeria until a thorough investigation is completed.
The House also mandated its Committee on Commerce to investigate the pricing model used by Multichoice, ensuring that consumers are protected from exploitative practices. The committee is expected to submit its report within four weeks, after which further legislative action may be taken.
This development underscores growing concerns among Nigerian lawmakers about the lack of competition in the pay-TV sector, as well as the financial strain frequent price hikes impose on consumers.
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