The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, FCCPC, has filed a lawsuit against MultiChoice Nigeria Limited and its Chief Executive Officer, John Ugbe, for allegedly violating regulatory directives, obstructing an ongoing inquiry, and breaching provisions of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act, FCCPA, 2018.
The Commission instituted the legal action against the South African company at the Federal High Court in Lagos, after Multichoice flouted its directive to maintain existing pricing structure for DStv and GOtv, pending the completion of an investigation into the company’s proposed price increase.
A statement by FCCPC’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Mr Ondaje Ijagwu, recalled that the Commission had on February 27, 2025, directed MultiChoice Nigeria to maintain its existing pricing structure for DStv and GOtv its investigation.
However, despite this directive, MultiChoice went ahead with the price hike on March 1, 2025, in what the FCCPC describes as a deliberate act of defiance.
The Commission therefore resorted to legal proceedings, charging the digital television provider with Willful non-compliance with the Commission’s directive to halt the price increase, in violation of Section 33(3) of the FCCPA 2018, and Obstructing the Commission’s investigation by proceeding with the price hike against regulatory instructions, contrary to Section 110 of the Act.
FCCPC also charged Multichoice with attempt to mislead the Commission by implementing the price increase before appearing at an investigative hearing, an offence under Section 159(2), punishable under Section 159(4)(a) and (b).
The Commission said it views MultiChoice’s actions as a calculated attempt to undermine regulatory oversight, distort market fairness, and deny Nigerian consumers the protections guaranteed by law.
It added that by implementing the price hike before its scheduled appearance before the Commission’s investigative panel on March 6, 2025, MultiChoice is accused of deliberately flouting regulatory processes and disregarding consumer rights.
“In response, the Commission is considering additional enforcement measures, including sanctions, penalties, and further regulatory interventions to ensure compliance and accountability,” it said.
FCCPC also reiterated its commitment to safeguarding Nigerian consumers from exploitative business practices while ensuring that dominant market players adhere to fair competition principles and regulatory compliance.
