Lagos, Nigeria – March 6, 2025 – The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has officially filed charges against MultiChoice Nigeria Limited and its Chief Executive Officer, John Ugbe, for violating regulatory directives and obstructing an ongoing investigation.

Why is FCCPC Taking Action Against MultiChoice?

The FCCPC had previously directed MultiChoice Nigeria to freeze its DStv and GOtv subscription prices while the commission reviewed a proposed price increase. However, despite this order, MultiChoice proceeded with the price hike on March 1, 2025, in direct defiance of the regulatory directive.

Legal Charges Against MultiChoice Nigeria

In response to this non-compliance, the FCCPC has filed legal charges based on three key violations under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018:

1. Obstructing a regulatory inquiry by enforcing a price hike against FCCPC’s directive (Section 33(4)).
2. Impeding an ongoing investigation by failing to suspend the price increase as instructed (Section 110).
3. Attempting to mislead the Commission by implementing the price hike without objection (Section 159(2), punishable under Section 159(4)(a) and (b)).

FCCPC’s Statement on MultiChoice’s Actions

The FCCPC, in an official statement signed by Ondaje Ijagwu, Director of Corporate Affairs, condemned MultiChoice’s decision to ignore regulatory orders, stating that such actions undermine market fairness and violate consumer protection laws.

“By disregarding the FCCPC’s directive and increasing subscription prices before appearing at the Commission’s investigative hearing on March 6, 2025, MultiChoice has shown a clear pattern of conduct that weakens consumer rights and fair competition.”

Potential Penalties for MultiChoice

The FCCPC has indicated that additional enforcement actions may follow, including sanctions, financial penalties, and regulatory interventions to ensure compliance.

Stay updated with Springs News NG for further developments on this case.

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