The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has initiated legal action against MultiChoice Nigeria Limited and its Chief Executive Officer, John Ugbe, for allegedly violating regulatory directives, obstructing an ongoing inquiry, and breaching the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018.
MultiChoice owns both DStv and GOtv. A statement signed its Director of Corporate Affairs Ondaje Ijagwu, on Wednesday, said 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.
It, however, noted that 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 filed charges against MultiChoice Nigeria and John Ugbe at the Federal High Court, Lagos Judicial Division, on three counts of violating the FCCPA 2018.
The charges include willfully obstructing the Commission’s inquiry by implementing the price hike in defiance of directives (Section 33(4)), impeding the ongoing investigation by failing 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 Commission described MultiChoice’s actions as a deliberate attempt to undermine regulatory authority, disrupt market fairness, and deny Nigerian consumers the protection guaranteed under the law.
It noted that the company implemented the price hike before appearing at the Commission’s investigative hearing scheduled for 6 March 2025.
“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,” the Commission stated.
As part of its response, the FCCPC is also considering additional enforcement measures, including sanctions, penalties, and regulatory interventions, to ensure MultiChoice Nigeria is held accountable.
The Commission reiterated its stance against unfair business practices and pledged to uphold consumer rights in Nigeria.
