The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has filed charges against MultiChoice Nigeria Limited and its CEO, John Ugbe, for allegedly defying regulatory directives and obstructing an investigation into a controversial price increase for DStv and GOtv services. The charges, lodged at the Federal High Court’s Lagos Judicial Division, mark a significant escalation in a dispute over consumer rights and corporate compliance.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the FCCPC accused MultiChoice of proceeding with a price hike on March 1, 2025, despite being explicitly ordered on February 27 to maintain its existing pricing structure pending an official review. The Commission described the move as a “deliberate and calculated attempt to undermine regulatory authority” and a violation of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018.
“MultiChoice’s actions disrupt market fairness and deny Nigerian consumers the protection afforded under the law,” said Ondaje Ijagwu, FCCPC Director of Corporate Affairs. “The company chose to disregard directives, flout regulatory processes, and impede an ongoing inquiry.”
The three-count charges allege violations of Sections 33(4), 110, and 159(2) of the FCCPA 2018, including willfully obstructing an investigation, ignoring instructions to suspend the price adjustment, and attempting to mislead regulators.
If found guilty, MultiChoice and Ugbe could face penalties under Section 159(4)(a) and (b) of the Act, which include fines and operational sanctions.
The FCCPC emphasized that MultiChoice implemented the increase days before appearing at a scheduled investigative hearing on March 6, 2025, calling it a “pattern of conduct that undermines consumer rights.” The Commission is now reviewing additional enforcement measures, including fines and regulatory interventions, to “ensure compliance and accountability.”
Attempts to reach MultiChoice Nigeria for comments were unsuccessful at the time of publication.
The court has yet to announce a hearing date for the charges.
The commission inaddition should plead for a total operational ban on multi choice for their exploitative operational modus in Nigeria, in addition to the arbitrary increase they refuse to introduce pay as you go as obtainable in South Africa and other societies…