The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has filed a lawsuit against Multichoice, the parent company of DStv and GOtv, for allegedly disregarding its directive to halt subscription price increases.
Despite the Commission’s order to maintain existing rates pending an ongoing investigation, Multichoice announced a price hike on Saturday, according to reports.
FCCPC’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu, stated on Wednesday that Multichoice Nigeria Limited and its Chief Executive Officer, John Ugbe, were sued for breaching regulatory directives, obstructing an ongoing inquiry, and violating the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) of 2018.
He noted that on February 27, 2025, the Commission explicitly directed the company to suspend any price adjustments on its DStv and GOtv packages until investigations were concluded. However, Multichoice went ahead with the price increase on March 1, 2025, in defiance of the directive.
Ijagwu described this move as an intentional attempt to undermine regulatory oversight, distort market competition, and deprive Nigerian consumers of their rights.
“By ignoring the FCCPC’s directive and implementing the price hike ahead of the scheduled investigative hearing on March 6, 2025, Multichoice has not only violated regulatory processes but also exhibited a pattern of behaviour that threatens consumer rights and fair competition,” he stated.
He reiterated the Commission’s commitment to protecting consumers from unfair business practices and ensuring compliance with fair market regulations.
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