The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has filed a lawsuit against MultiChoice Nigeria Limited and its Chief Executive Officer, John Ugbe, for allegedly disregarding regulatory directives on subscription price adjustments.
FCCPC’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu, announced the legal action in a statement on Wednesday, confirming that the charges were filed at the Federal High Court in Lagos.
The charges stem from MultiChoice’s decision to proceed with a subscription price increase for its DStv and GOtv services on March 1, despite an earlier directive to suspend the hike.
According to the statement, the regulatory agency had, on February 27, instructed the company to halt its planned price increase until an ongoing investigation into the matter was concluded.
However, MultiChoice allegedly defied the directive, prompting the commission to pursue legal action.
The FCCPC’s lawsuit against MultiChoice and its CEO centers on three main allegations: obstructing the commission’s inquiry, failing to comply with regulatory directives, and attempting to mislead the agency.
Citing violations under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018—specifically Sections 33(4), 110, and 159(2)—the commission highlighted potential penalties outlined in Section 159(4)(a) and (b).
The FCCPC condemned MultiChoice’s actions as a direct challenge to regulatory authority, warning that such defiance could undermine market fairness and consumer rights. It also criticized the company for proceeding with its price hike ahead of an investigative hearing scheduled for March 6, 2025.
Beyond the legal action, the commission is considering additional enforcement measures, including sanctions and regulatory interventions, to ensure compliance.
MultiChoice previously cited rising operational costs as the reason for its price adjustments. However, its decision to move forward despite regulatory objections has now escalated into a legal dispute.
