The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has filed legal charges against MultiChoice Nigeria Limited and its Chief Executive Officer, John Ugbe, for violating regulatory directives, obstructing an ongoing inquiry, and engaging in conduct deemed unlawful under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018.
The regulatory action follows MultiChoice Nigeria’s defiance of an FCCPC directive issued on February 27, 2025, which instructed the company to maintain its existing pricing structure for DStv and GOtv pending the completion of an investigation into its proposed price increase. Despite this order, MultiChoice went ahead with its price hike on March 1, 2025, disregarding regulatory oversight.
According to the FCCPC, “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. However, despite this directive, the company proceeded with its price increase on March 1, 2025, in clear defiance of the Commission’s directive.”
The FCCPC has now charged MultiChoice Nigeria and its CEO at the Federal High Court, Lagos Judicial Division, citing three violations under the FCCPA 2018: willfully obstructing an inquiry by proceeding with the 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 implementing the increase without objection (Section 159(2), punishable under Section 159(4)(a) and (b)).
The Commission condemned MultiChoice’s defiance, stating: “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.” It further emphasised that “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.”
In addition to the lawsuit, the FCCPC has indicated that further enforcement measures are under review, including potential sanctions, penalties, and regulatory interventions to ensure compliance and accountability.
Reaffirming its commitment to protecting Nigerian consumers from exploitative business practices, the FCCPC assured the public 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.”
