The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has instituted legal proceedings against MultiChoice Nigeria Limited and its Chief Executive Officer, John Ugbe, for violating regulatory directives and obstructing an ongoing inquiry.
A statement signed by its Director of Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu, in Abuja o Wednesday accused MultiChoice of engaging in conduct deemed violations of the provisions of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018.
On February 27, 2025, the FCCPC directed MultiChoice Nigeria to maintain its current pricing structure for DStv and GOtv pending the conclusion of an examination of its proposed price hike.
However, despite this directive, the company proceeded with its price increase on March 1, 2025, in clear defiance of the Commission’s directive.
FCCPC, therefore, declared that following the disregard for regulatory oversight, it 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 statement added: “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.”
FCCPC disclosed that in addition to the legal action, it is equally reviewing further enforcement measures, including sanctions, penalties, and regulatory interventions, to ensure compliance and accountability.
It added: “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.”
