The House of Representatives has asked MultiChoice Nigeria to suspend the hike in the subscription rates of DStv and GOtv packages.
This followed a similar directive by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) which was shunned by the company.
The lower legislative chamber resolution followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by a lawmaker from Edo State, Esosa lyawe, at Tuesday’s plenary in Abuja.
In his presentation, lyawe said price increases always have a widespread impact and put consumers under undue pressure due to the dominant position of Multichoice in the pay-TV sector.
He said the recent hike has triggered widespread criticism from subscribers, “many of whom have taken to social media to express their frustration over frequent price hikes without a corresponding improvement in the quality of service.”
The motion was adopted when the Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas, subjected it to a voice vote.
Consequently, the House mandated the committee on information to investigate the arbitrary increase in subscription prices by Multichoice to ensure implementation of cost-effective policies in the pay-TV sector for consumers.
By: Babajide Okeowo
Source: Ripples