The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has initiated legal action against MultiChoice Nigeria Limited and its Chief Executive Officer, John Ugbe, accusing the company of flouting regulatory directives.
On February 27, 2025, FCCPC instructed MultiChoice to maintain its existing pricing structure for DStv and GOtv subscriptions pending a full investigation into the proposed fee hike.
However, despite the directive, MultiChoice proceeded with an increase on March 1, 2025, an action FCCPC deems a direct violation of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018.
The agency claims that the unauthorized price adjustment not only undermines regulatory oversight but also obstructs the ongoing inquiry into pricing practices.
FCCPC’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Mr. Ondaje Ijagwu, stated that the move jeopardizes consumer interests and distorts market dynamics in the competitive pay-TV sector.
The suit seeks to compel compliance with established regulations and ensure that consumers are not subjected to sudden, unilateral price changes.
The legal battle now intensifies scrutiny on corporate governance and adherence to regulatory mandates within Nigeria’s rapidly evolving telecommunications market.
