Nigerian consumers are frustrated that while satellite TV operator MultiChoice is taken to task over price increases, telcos have been left unscathed.

Nigeria’s Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has been accused of double standards after the regulatory body called MultiChoice Nigeria to account for its planned 21% subscription price hike, while ignoring similar increases by telecom operators, including MTN and Airtel.

The FCCPC has ordered MultiChoice’s CEO John Ugbe to appear at its headquarters tomorrow (27 February) to defend the price adjustment. The price increase is set to take effect on 1 March.

The commission raised issues of fairness and market abuse, invoking its authority under Sections 32 and 33 of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA), which empowers it to probe the recurring price adjustments.

The FCCPC’s investigation into MultiChoice comes at a time when Nigerians are grappling with rising costs, including soaring prices of consumer goods.

However, Nigerians have taken to social media and allege the commission is selectively enforcing its mandate, and are questioning why the FCCPC has not taken similar action against MTN or Airtel, both of which recently implemented price increases.

MTN increased prices above the approved 50% tariff and while it has apologised to customers for the price hikes, citing operational costs and economic challenges, it did not reverse the increases.

MultiChoice announced the 21% increase across its DStv and GOtv packages and attributed the hike to Nigeria’s economic challenges, including naira depreciation, high energy costs, and inflation, which stood at 24.48%, as of January 2025.

In a statement, MultiChoice said the adjustment was necessary to enable it to continue offering local and international content “delivered through the best technology”.

Among the social media feedback, one X user, @NejeebBello posted: “They simply sprung into action over price hike of a luxury product. Meanwhile, prices of basic necessities like food, water, housing, and fuel are hiked with no consequence.”

Another, @iamderinolar said: “Please also look at the telcos especially Airtel Nigeriathat puts useless SMS plans on our line and be deducting 100 naira every day.”

And @Oluwa_Samuel, wrote: “What steps are being taken by the commission regarding the recent data subscription hikes by MTNNGand Airtel Nigeria? Many consumers are concerned about the impact on their budgets and would appreciate clarity on this issue.”