The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has taken legal action against MultiChoice Nigeria and its Chief Executive Officer, John Ugbe, for violating regulatory directives and obstructing an ongoing investigation into the company's recent price hike on DStv and GOtv services.
The FCCPC had earlier directed MultiChoice to suspend its planned price increase pending a full review. However, the company went ahead with the new pricing on March 1, 2025, in defiance of the commission's order.
Following this breach, the FCCPC has filed charges at the Federal High Court, Lagos Judicial Division, citing three key violations under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018:
1. Obstructing a regulatory inquiry by proceeding with the price hike despite directives to halt it (Section 33(4)).
2. Impeding an ongoing investigation by disregarding orders to maintain the current pricing (Section 110).
3. Misleading regulatory authorities by implementing the increase without formally objecting to the directive (Section 159(2)), an offence punishable under Section 159(4)(a) and (b) of the Act.
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In a statement, FCCPC's Director of Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu, condemned MultiChoice's defiance, describing it as a deliberate attempt to undermine regulatory oversight, disrupt market fairness, and exploit consumers.
"This blatant disregard for regulatory authority and consumer protection laws will not be tolerated. MultiChoice's actions demonstrate a pattern of conduct that undermines fair competition and consumer rights," Ijagwu stated.
He added that the FCCPC is considering additional enforcement measures, including financial penalties and regulatory sanctions, to ensure compliance and accountability.
The legal battle marks a critical test of Nigeria's consumer protection laws and the FCCPC's ability to regulate dominant market players in the pay-TV sector.
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