The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has filed charges against MultiChoice Nigeria Limited and its CEO, John Ugbe, for allegedly violating regulatory directives and obstructing an ongoing inquiry related to a recent price hike.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The charges, filed at the Federal High Court in Lagos, include three counts: intentionally implementing a price increase that goes against the FCCPC’s directive, disregarding an order to suspend the hike, and misleading the Commission by proceeding with the increase despite clear instructions to the contrary. These actions violate sections of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018.
The price increase, announced by MultiChoice on February 24, 2025, for its DStv and GOtv subscription packages, was scheduled to take effect on March 1, 2025. The announcement came nearly a year after a similar price hike and triggered significant public backlash, prompting intervention from the FCCPC.
On February 27, 2025, the FCCPC directed MultiChoice to suspend the price hike pending an investigation into the proposed increase. However, the Commission alleges that MultiChoice disregarded this directive and implemented the price hike, thus violating FCCPC regulations and demonstrating a pattern of conduct that undermines consumer rights and fair competition.
The FCCPC has warned that, in addition to the current legal actions, it is reviewing further enforcement measures, including potential penalties and regulatory interventions, to ensure accountability. The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to protecting Nigerian consumers from exploitative business practices and ensuring that market leaders comply with fair competition and legal standards.
