The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission has sued MultiChoice Nigeria Limited and its Chief Executive Officer, John Ugbe, for violating regulatory directives and obstructing an ongoing investigation.
In a statement signed by its Director of Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu, on Wednesday in Abuja, the FCCPC accused MultiChoice of breaching the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018.
On February 27, 2025, the FCCPC ordered MultiChoice Nigeria to maintain its current prices for DStv and GOtv until the Commission completed its review of the company’s proposed price increase. However, MultiChoice went ahead with the price hike on March 1, 2025, ignoring the directive.
Due to this, the FCCPC has filed charges against MultiChoice and its CEO at the Federal High Court, Lagos Judicial Division. The charges include willfully obstructing the Commission’s inquiry by increasing prices against orders (Section 33(4)), interfering with the ongoing investigation (Section 110), and misleading the Commission by implementing the hike without waiting for the review (Section 159(2)). These offences are punishable under Section 159(4)(a) and (b) of the FCCPA.
The statement read: “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. 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 court case, the FCCPC said it is considering more enforcement actions, which may include sanctions, penalties, and other regulatory steps to ensure compliance.
“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 statement added.
