The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has announced plans to arraign MultiChoice Nigeria Limited, its Chief Executive Officer John Ugbe, and key Pay‑TV directors at the Federal High Court in Lagos. They face allegations of impeding an ongoing probe into their decision to raise subscription prices for DStv and GOtv services—despite a clear directive from the Commission to pause the adjustments.
According to FCCPC’s Corporate Affairs Director Ondaje Ijagwu, the warning was issued on February 27, 2025, ordering MultiChoice to preserve the existing tariff structure while investigations continued. By proceeding with price increases on March 1, executives are accused of flouting Sections 33(4), 110 and 159(2) of the FCCPA 2018, in what the Commission described as a deliberate attempt to mislead regulators, obstruct due process, and undermine consumer protection
The three counts levelled include: (1) willfully obstructing the FCCPC’s inquiry by implementing the tariff hike, (2) ignoring instructions to suspend the hike mid‑investigation, and (3) attempting to mislead the Commission by advancing with the increase without addressing its objections
FCCPC officials assert that MultiChoice’s conduct seeks to distort competitive balance, deny consumers statutory protections, and undermine regulatory authority. With arraignment imminent, the agency warned that further sanctions, penalties, and interventions are under review to guarantee adherence to its mandates
In response, MultiChoice has remained silent. The court process now shifts focus to the forthcoming legal proceedings, which will determine whether the pay‑TV giants will be held accountable for what regulators describe as a calculated breach of Nigerian consumer and competition laws.
