The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has filed charges against MultiChoice Nigeria Limited and its Chief Executive Officer, John Ugbe, for allegedly violating regulatory directives and obstructing an ongoing investigation.
The three-count charge was filed before the Federal High Court in Lagos, with the allegations focusing on the company’s implementation of a price increase in direct contravention of the FCCPC’s instructions. This action reportedly violates Section 33(4) of the FCCPC Act. Additionally, MultiChoice is accused of disregarding an order to suspend the hike, violating Section 110 of the Act, and attempting to mislead the Commission by proceeding with the increase without objection, contrary to Section 159(2), which is punishable under Section 159(4)(a) and (b) of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018.
The dispute centers on MultiChoice’s announcement on February 24, 2025, of a price hike for its DStv and GOtv subscription packages, set to take effect on March 1, 2025. This came almost a year after a previous price increase, which was met with significant public backlash, prompting the FCCPC’s intervention.
On February 27, 2025, the FCCPC issued a directive for MultiChoice Nigeria to maintain its current pricing structure until the conclusion of an investigation into the proposed hike. However, despite this order, the company proceeded with the increase, prompting the Commission to take legal action for allegedly flouting regulatory processes.
The FCCPC argued that by ignoring its directive and implementing the price hike before the scheduled investigative hearing on March 6, 2025, MultiChoice not only violated the law but also demonstrated a pattern of conduct that undermines consumer rights and fair market practices.
In response to the violation, the FCCPC announced that it is considering further enforcement actions, which may include sanctions, penalties, and additional regulatory interventions. The Commission reiterated its commitment to safeguarding consumers from exploitative practices and ensuring that businesses in dominant positions adhere to fair competition and legal requirements.
