Price Hike: MultiChoice Faces Criminal Charges for Defying Price Hike Order
Price Hike: MultiChoice Faces Criminal Charges for Defying Price Hike Order
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has filed criminal charges against MultiChoice Nigeria and its CEO, John Ugbe, for allegedly ignoring directives to halt a planned price increase for DSTV and GOtv subscriptions.
The FCCPC’s charges, filed in Lagos Federal High Court, accuse MultiChoice and Ugbe of obstructing an ongoing investigation and violating regulatory orders. Specifically, the company is alleged to have:
* Implemented a price hike despite explicit FCCPC instructions to suspend it.
* Impeded the FCCPC’s inquiry by proceeding with the increase and failing to comply with directives.
* Potentially misled the FCCPC by implementing the price changes without approval.
These actions, the FCCPC contends, violate sections of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018.
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The controversy began when MultiChoice announced a price increase scheduled for March 1st, following a similar hike the previous year that drew public criticism and FCCPC intervention. The FCCPC responded by ordering MultiChoice CEO John Ugbe to attend an investigative hearing and immediately halt the price increase.
Despite these directives and a scheduled hearing for March 6, 2025, the FCCPC alleges that MultiChoice proceeded with the price hike, demonstrating a disregard for regulatory authority and consumer rights.
The FCCPC asserts that MultiChoice’s actions undermine fair market principles and deny Nigerian consumers legal protections. The commission is now considering further enforcement measures, including sanctions and penalties, to ensure compliance and protect consumers from exploitative practices. The FCCPC emphasizes its commitment to holding dominant market players accountable.
