Rep. Iyawe wants probe of Multichoice over ‘predatory’ price hikes

The House of Representatives has mandated an immediate probe into Multichoice Nigeria’s latest subscription hike for DStv and GOtv packages, following a motion tabled by Representative Esosa Iyawe (Oredo Federal Constituency, Edo State). The move seeks to suspend the 20-25% price increase—the second in nine months—pending a parliamentary investigation.

Raising the motion under “Matters of Urgent Public Importance,” Iyawe condemned the Pay-TV giant’s “predatory pricing” amid Nigeria’s inflationary crisis, noting that millions had already abandoned decoders after May 2024’s price jump.

“Subscribers face relentless hikes without service improvements, while Multichoice exploits its market dominance,” he argued, citing public outcry on social media and the firm’s “aloof” response to consumer distress.

The lawmaker highlighted Multichoice’s justification—rising operational costs—but warned that unchecked increases risked “strangling households” already battling soaring living expenses. “Where is the competition to hold them accountable?” he questioned, urging the House to curb “corporate impunity” in the sector.

Consequently, the House of Representatives adopted the motion and urged Multichoice to suspend their proposed increase in subscription prices in Nigeria pending exhaustive investigations.

It mandated its Committee on Commerce to investigate the arbitrary increase in subscription prices by Multichoice, with a view to ensuring implementation of cost-effective policies in the pay-TV sector for consumers in Nigeria and report back within four weeks for further legislative action.