The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has filed charges against MultiChoice Nigeria Limited and its Chief Executive Officer, John Ugbe, for failing to maintain current subscription prices pending the conclusion of an investigation into its ‘proposed hike’.
The Commission pointed out that MultiChoice has violated regulatory directives, describing it as “obstructing an ongoing inquiry and engaging in conduct deemed violations of the provisions of the FCCPA 2018”.
Recall that FCCPC had on February 27, 2025 ordered the company to retain its current prices for DStv and GOtv subscription pending the conclusion of an examination of its proposed price hike.
Thelensng reports that MultiChoice had announced that the pricing structure for DStv and GOtv packages will increase beginning from March 1, leading to a probe by the Commission.
However, the Commission in a statement issued by its Director, Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu on Wednesday, noted that the company proceeding with its price increase is in clear defiance of its directive.
“Following this blatant disregard for regulatory oversight, the FCCPC has filed charges against MultiChoice Nigeria and John Ugbe at the Federal High Court, Lagos Judicial Division, on three counts of offences under the FCCPA 2018, specifically for willfully obstructing the Commission’s inquiry by implementing a price hike contrary to directives (Section 33(4)), impeding the ongoing investigation by ignoring instructions to suspend the hike (Section 110), and attempting to mislead the Commission by proceeding with the increase without objection (Section 159(2), punishable under Section 159(4)(a) and (b)).
“The Commission views MultiChoice’s actions as a deliberate and calculated attempt to undermine regulatory authority, disrupt market fairness, and deny Nigerian consumers the protection afforded under the law.
“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,” the statement partly reads.
Ijagwu disclosed that the FCCPC is also reviewing further enforcement measures, including sanctions, penalties, and regulatory interventions, to ensure compliance and accountability.
The Commission reiterated its commitment to protecting Nigerian consumers from exploitative business practices and ensuring that dominant players in any sector adhere to fair market principles and legal compliance.
