The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) filed a lawsuit against MultiChoice Nigeria Limited and its Chief Executive Officer, John Ugbe, over allegations that the cable TV company defied regulatory directives and obstructed an ongoing investigation by the competition watchdog.
The FCCPC, which says it is exercising its authority under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018, had earlier directed Ugbe to appear for an investigative hearing at its headquarters on February 27, 2025.
However, before the inquiry could be concluded, MultiChoice proceeded with a price increase on March 1, 2025, despite being ordered to maintain its pricing
“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,” the FCCPC states in a statement seen by Technology Times.
Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC).
FCCPC: Multichoice denies Nigerian consumers protection afforded by law
“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,” the FCCPC states in a statement seen by Technology Times.
The suit, filed at the Federal High Court, Lagos, follows MultiChoice’s decision to increase DStv and GOtv prices on March 1, 2025, despite a February 27 directive instructing the company to maintain its pricing.
The FCCPC accused MultiChoice of:
• Obstructing an inquiry by implementing a price hike against orders (Section 33(4) of the FCCPA).
• Impeding an investigation by ignoring instructions to suspend the increase (Section 110).
• Attempting to mislead regulators by proceeding without objection (Section 159(2), punishable under Section 159(4)(a) and (b)).
“By disregarding the FCCPC’s directive and implementing the price hike before appearing before the Commission’s investigative hearing, MultiChoice has not only flouted regulatory processes but also demonstrated a pattern of conduct that undermines consumer rights and fair competition,” the Commission said.
The FCCPC is also considering “further enforcement measures, including sanctions, penalties, and regulatory interventions, to ensure compliance and accountability.”
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