FCCPC Sues MultiChoice Nigeria and CEO Over Pricing and Investigation Obstruction
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has taken legal action against MultiChoice Nigeria and its Chief Executive Officer, John Ugbe, over allegations of failing to comply with regulatory directives. The commission accuses the company of refusing to suspend recent price increases on its DStv and GOtv subscription packages and obstructing an ongoing investigation into its business practices.
According to the FCCPC, MultiChoice Nigeria disregarded an interim order directing the company to halt any adjustments to its pricing structure pending the outcome of an investigation into its market conduct. The regulatory body claims that the company’s failure to comply undermines consumer protection efforts and raises concerns about fair competition in the industry.
The lawsuit, filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja, seeks legal remedies to ensure compliance with consumer protection regulations. The FCCPC is also pushing for penalties against MultiChoice and its CEO for allegedly obstructing the investigation, which was initiated to determine whether the company’s pricing strategies align with fair business practices.
This legal battle comes amid growing consumer complaints about rising subscription costs and the dominance of MultiChoice in Nigeria’s pay-TV sector. While the company has justified the price adjustments as necessary due to economic factors, the FCCPC maintains that consumers must be protected from unfair pricing policies.
The outcome of this case could have significant implications for Nigeria’s pay-TV industry, potentially reshaping regulatory enforcement and corporate accountability in the sector.
