The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has directed MultiChoice Nigeria to maintain its current pricing for DStv and GOtv pending the conclusion of an inquiry into its proposed price hike.
Despite this directive, MultiChoice proceeded with its price increase on March 1, 2025, prompting the FCCPC to take legal action against the company and its Chief Executive Officer, John Ugbe.
READ ALSO: FCCPC Summons Multichoice Nigeria Over New Price Packages for DSTV, GOTV
The commission has accused them of violating regulatory directives, obstructing an ongoing investigation, and breaching the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018.
The FCCPC has filed charges at the Federal High Court, Lagos Judicial Division, on three counts: willfully obstructing the Commission’s inquiry by enforcing the price hike against directives (Section 33(4)), impeding an ongoing investigation (Section 110), and misleading the Commission by implementing the increase without objection (Section 159(2)), punishable under Section 159(4)(a) and (b).
In a statement, the FCCPC Director of Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu, condemned MultiChoice’s actions as a deliberate attempt to undermine regulatory authority, disrupt market fairness, and deny Nigerian consumers their legal protections.
He said, “This is by disregarding the FCCPC’s directive and implementing the price hike before appearing before the Commission’s investigative hearing on March 6, 2025. MultiChoice has not only flouted regulatory processes but also demonstrated a pattern of conduct that undermines consumer rights and fair competition.
“In addition to these legal actions, the FCCPC is reviewing further enforcement measures, including sanctions, penalties, and regulatory interventions, to ensure compliance and accountability.”
He assured that the FCCPC is committed to protecting Nigerian consumers from exploitative business practices and ensuring that dominant players in any sector adhere to fair market principles and legal compliance.
