*Nigeria’s Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission asserts MultiChoice鈥檚 actions constitute a deliberate and calculated attempt to undermine the country鈥檚 regulatory authority, disrupt market fairness, and deny consumers the protection afforded them under the FCCPA 2018

Isola Moses | 绿帽献妻

For violating regulatory directives, obstructing an ongoing inquiry, and engaging in anti-competition, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has formally instituted legal proceedings against MultiChoice Nigeria Limited and John Ugbe, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the pay-TV company.

The market regulatory Commission Wednesday, March 5, 2025, disclosed it resorted to legal action against the firm for engaging in alleged conduct violating of the provisions of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018.

Earlier, the FCCPC had directed MultiChoice Nigeria February 27, to maintain its current pricing structure for DStv and GOtv pending the conclusion of an examination of its proposed price hike.

However, despite the directive, the company proceeded with its price increase March 1 in clear defiance of the Commission鈥檚 directive.

Mr. Ondaje Ijagwu, Director of Corporate Affairs at FCCPC, Wednesday stated that following the company’s “blatant disregard for regulatory oversight”, the FCCPC has filed charges against MultiChoice Nigeria and John Ugbe at the Federal High Court, Lagos Judicial Division, 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), 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 statement noted the Commission views MultiChoice鈥檚 actions as a deliberate and calculated attempt to undermine regulatory authority, disrupt market fairness, and deny Nigerian consumers the protection afforded under the law.

It stated: “By disregarding the FCCPC鈥檚 directive and implementing the price hike before appearing before the Commission鈥檚 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 these legal actions, the FCCPC is reviewing further enforcement measures, including sanctions, penalties, and regulatory interventions, to ensure compliance and accountability.”

Ijagwu restated: “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.”