FCCPC drags MultiChoice to court over price increase

Daniel Adaji

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission has taken legal action against MultiChoice Nigeria Limited and its Chief Executive Officer, John Ugbe, over the company’s decision to increase subscription prices for DStv and GOtv in violation of regulatory directives.

This is according to a statement on Wednesday by Director, Corporate Affairs at FCCPC, Ondaje Ijagwu who confirmed that charges have been filed at the Federal High Court, Lagos Judicial Division.

The Commission accused MultiChoice Nigeria of “violating regulatory directives, obstructing an ongoing inquiry and engaging in conduct deemed violations of the provisions of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018.”

Suit Against MultiChoice (2)

The FCCPC had directed MultiChoice on February 27, 2025, to maintain its current pricing structure pending the conclusion of an examination into the proposed price hike.

However, despite this directive, the company proceeded with its price increase on March 1, 2025, “in clear defiance of the Commission’s directive.”

According to the statement, the charges filed against MultiChoice Nigeria and its CEO include “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), 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 FCCPC condemned 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.”

The statement further noted that “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 Commission disclosed that it is reviewing further enforcement measures, including “sanctions, penalties, and regulatory interventions, to ensure compliance and accountability.”

The FCCPC reiterated its commitment to “protecting Nigerian consumers from exploitative business practices and ensuring that dominant players in any sector adhere to fair market principles and legal compliance.”