The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has sued MultiChoice Nigeria Limited and its CEO, John Ugbe, for ignoring regulatory directives to suspend the DStv and GOtv price increase.
FCCPC’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu, confirmed in a statement that MultiChoice defied a February 27 directive to halt the subscription price hike pending an investigation. However, despite this warning, the company went ahead with the increase on March 1.
MultiChoice Faces Charges for Violating Consumer Protection Laws
The lawsuit, filed at the Federal High Court in Lagos, accuses MultiChoice of: Obstructing an FCCPC investigation by refusing to comply with directives, Ignoring regulatory orders to suspend the price hike. Attempting to mislead the Commission by increasing prices before attending a hearing. According to the FCCPC, MultiChoice’s refusal to comply undermines regulatory authority and prevents Nigerian consumers from receiving fair treatment.
“By disregarding the directive and implementing the price hike before the March 6, 2025, investigative hearing, MultiChoice has not only flouted regulatory processes but also shown a pattern of behavior that disregards consumer rights,” the FCCPC stated.
MultiChoice Defends Its Price Hike Amid Public Backlash
Despite public outrage, MultiChoice has justified the DStv and GOtv price increases, blaming it on rising operational costs. In a notice to subscribers, the company stated:
“Dear Customer, please note that effective March 1, 2025, there will be a price adjustment on all DStv packages. This is to enable us to continue offering our customers world-class homegrown and international content, delivered through the best technology.”
While the DStv Compact Plus and Premium packages remain at N30,000 and N44,500, other lower-tier packages have been affected.
However, consumers and industry experts believe MultiChoice is exploiting its monopoly on pay-TV services in Nigeria. Many argue that without strong competition, the company will continue to raise prices unchecked, knowing subscribers have limited alternatives.
What Happens Next? Will Nigerians Get Justice?
With the FCCPC lawsuit against MultiChoice, many Nigerians are hopeful that consumer protection laws will be enforced. However, if past cases are anything to go by, the legal battle could drag on, leaving consumers to bear the cost of yet another price hike.
Should a company be allowed to raise prices without regulatory approval, especially when consumers are struggling?
This legal battle is more than just a price issue. It is about corporate accountability, fair competition, and the power of regulatory bodies in protecting Nigerian consumers.
