The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has instituted legal proceedings against MultiChoice Nigeria Limited, operators of DStv and GOtv, and its Chief Executive Officer, John Ugbe.
This was for violating regulatory directives, obstructing an ongoing inquiry, and also engaging in conduct deemed violations of the provisions of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018.
FCCPC, in a statement on Wednesday, said it filed the 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 wilfully obstructing its 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)).
Ondaje Ijagwu, Director, Corporate Affairs, FCCPC, who signed the statement, further noted that the Commission views MultiChoice’s actions as a deliberate and calculated attempt to undermine regulatory authority, disrupt market fairness, and deny consumers the protection afforded under the law.
He confirmed that MultiChoice Nigeria had been expressly directed by the FCCPC on February 27, 2025, to maintain its current pricing structure for DStv and GOtv pending the conclusion of an examination of its proposed price hike.
“But despite this directive, the company proceeded with its price increase on March 1, 2025, in clear defiance of the Commission’s directive.
“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,” he noted.
Ondaje, however, confirmed that in addition to the legal actions, the FCCPC will review further enforcement measures that might include sanctions, penalties, and regulatory interventions, to ensure compliance and accountability.
He assured Nigerians that 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.
By Fred Ezeh, @TheSUN
