FCCPC drags MultiChoice to court over subscription price hike

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has instituted a legal action against MultiChoice Nigeria Limited and its Chief Executive Officer, John Ugbe, for violating regulatory directives.

This was made known via a statement issued by the FCCPC Director of Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu, on Wednesday, March 5, 2025.

Ijagwu said MultiChoice was also charged for obstructing an ongoing inquiry and engaging in conduct that the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018.

He said the commission directed MultiChoice on February 27 to maintain its pricing structure for DStv and GOtv pending the conclusion of an examination of its proposed price hike.

He said despite the directive, the company proceeded with its price increase on March 1, in clear defiance of the commission’s directive.

Ijagwu stated: “Following this disregard for regulatory oversight, the FCCPC has filed charges against MultiChoice Nigeria and John Ugbe at the Federal High Court, Lagos Judicial Division.

“The charge is on three counts of offences under the FCCPA 2018, specifically for willfully obstructing the Commission’s inquiry by implementing a price hike contrary to directives (Section 33(4)), impeding the ongoing investigation by ignoring instructions to suspend the hike (Section 110).

MultiChoice increases DStv, GOtv subscription prices

“The company was also charged for attempting to mislead the Commission by proceeding with the increase without objection (Section 159(2), punishable under Section 159(4)(a) and (b)).”

The FCCPC spokesman described MultiChoice’s actions as a deliberate and calculated attempt to undermine regulatory authority, disrupt market fairness, and deny consumers the protection afforded under the law.

He added that MultiChoice had not only flouted regulatory processes but demonstrated a pattern of conduct that undermined consumer rights and fair competition.

“In addition to these legal actions, the FCCPC is reviewing further enforcement measures, including sanctions, penalties, and regulatory interventions, to ensure compliance and accountability,” Ijagwu noted.

Ijagwu also reiterated the FCCPC’s commitment to protecting consumers from exploitative business practices and ensure that dominant players in any sector adheres to fair market principles and legal compliance.

The Star