The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has filed charges against MultiChoice Nigeria Limited and its Chief Executive Officer, John Ugbe, for defying regulatory directives to suspend a subscription price hike.
The FCCPC had directed MultiChoice to suspend its planned price increase for DStv and GOtv services pending an investigation into the hike. However, the company went ahead with the price adjustments on March 1, disregarding the directive.
The charges, filed at the Federal High Court in Lagos, are based on three counts: obstructing the Commission’s inquiry, failing to comply with directives, and attempting to mislead the regulatory body.
According to the FCCPC, MultiChoice’s actions constitute a deliberate attempt to undermine regulatory authority, disrupt market fairness, and deny Nigerian consumers the protection guaranteed under the law.
The Commission’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu, stated that the agency is considering further enforcement measures, including sanctions and regulatory interventions, to ensure compliance and accountability.
MultiChoice had earlier informed customers of the impending price review, attributing the adjustment to rising costs of delivering premium content.
The price increase affects various DStv packages, with the Compact Plus and Premium bouquets remaining at N30,000 and N44,500, respectively.
The FCCPC’s investigation into the price hike is ongoing, with the agency working to ensure fairness and transparency in the market.
