The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has initiated legal proceedings against MultiChoice Nigeria Ltd. and its Chief Executive Officer, Mr. John Ugbe, for disregarding regulatory directives and hindering an ongoing inquiry.
In a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja, the FCCPC’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Mr. Ondaje Ijagwu, revealed that MultiChoice had ignored the commission’s instructions to maintain existing subscription rates for DStv and GOtv and went ahead with a price increase on March 1.
The FCCPC had previously directed MultiChoice Nigeria on February 27 to halt any price adjustments pending the conclusion of an inquiry into the proposed increase.
The company’s defiance of the order has led the commission to file charges against MultiChoice Nigeria and its CEO at the Federal High Court, Lagos Judicial Division.
The charges include willfully obstructing the commission’s investigation, ignoring instructions to suspend a price hike, and attempting to mislead the commission by implementing the increase without addressing objections.
The FCCPC asserts that MultiChoice’s actions reflect a deliberate attempt to undermine regulatory authority, distort market fairness, and deny consumers the legal protections they are entitled to.
The commission views the company’s behavior as a direct challenge to regulatory processes and a pattern of disregard for consumer rights and fair competition.
In addition to the lawsuit, the FCCPC is considering further enforcement measures, such as sanctions, penalties, and regulatory interventions, to ensure compliance and accountability.
The commission reaffirms its commitment to protecting consumers from exploitative practices and holding dominant industry players accountable for adhering to fair market principles and legal requirements.
