Nigeria Takes MultiChoice to Court Over Pay-TV Price Hike
Nigeria’s Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has sued MultiChoice Nigeria, the operator of DStv and GOtv, along with its CEO, John Ugbe, over alleged regulatory violations.
According to FCCPC Director of Corporate Affairs, Mr. Ondaje Ijagwu, the legal action stems from MultiChoice’s refusal to comply with regulatory directives, obstruction of an inquiry, and breaches of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018.
The commission had ordered MultiChoice to maintain its existing subscription rates for DStv and GOtv while a review of its proposed price adjustments was ongoing. However, the company proceeded with its planned price hike on March 1st, disregarding the directive.
As a result, the FCCPC has filed charges at the Federal High Court in Lagos, accusing MultiChoice and its CEO of obstructing an official inquiry, impeding an investigation by refusing to halt the price increase, and misleading regulators by implementing the hike without approval. The charges fall under Sections 33(4), 110, and 159(2) of the FCCPA, with penalties outlined in Section 159(4)(a) and (b).
The commission is also considering further enforcement measures, including sanctions and penalties, to ensure compliance with competition laws. The FCCPC reaffirmed its commitment to protecting Nigerian consumers from unfair business practices and holding dominant market players accountable.
