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Tag: FCCPC

  • MultiChoice shuns FCCPC, increases GOtv, DSTV fees

    MultiChoice shuns FCCPC, increases GOtv, DSTV fees

    MultiChoice, the company behind DStv and GOtv has increased its subscription rates, despite earlier order from the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, FCCPC to withhold subscription price increase until after investigation.

    TheNewsGuru recalls that FCCPC on Tuesday summoned  and cautioned against arbitrary price hikes in the pay-TV sector.

    In an official statement,  CEO of MultiChoice Nigeria, John Ugbe noted that the operational costs as the primary reason for the adjustment.

    He assured subscribers that the company remains committed to providing premium entertainment and maintaining the quality of its content offerings.

    The latest price review follows a series of similar increases in recent years, sparking concerns among consumers over the affordability of pay-TV services in Nigeria.

    The statement reads in part, “We understand the impact this change may have on you – our valued customer, but the rise in the cost of business operations has led us to make this difficult decision.

    “It remains our mission to provide the best entertainment and viewing experience to you and are committed to continue to deliver high-quality content and unparalleled service.”

    “We thank you for your continued patronage and support.

    “So, from Saturday, 1 March 2025, the price adjustment will take effect as follows; Premium: ₦44,500, Compact+: ₦30,000, Compact: ₦19,000, Confam: ₦11,000, Yanga: ₦6,000, Padi: ₦4,400, HDPVR Access Service: ₦6,000, Access Fees: ₦6,000, XtraView: ₦6,000.

    “Supa+: ₦16,800, Supa: ₦11,400, Max: ₦8,500, Jolli: ₦5,800, Jinja: ₦3,900, Smallie: ₦1,900.”

  • FCCPC stops DStv, GOtv subscription price hike

    FCCPC stops DStv, GOtv subscription price hike

    The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has ordered MultiChoice, the company behind DStv and GOtv, to withhold subscription price increase until after investigation.

    TheNewsGuru recalls that FCCPC on Tuesday summoned MultiChoice, over the planned increase in its cable TV subscription prices.

    TNG earlier reported that Multichoice is preparing to implement a 21% increase in the subscription fee for its DStv Compact package, raising the price from ₦15,700 to ₦19,000, effective March 1, 2025.

    The increase comes nearly a year after the last price review.

     FCCPC, however, in a statement on Thursday, said the decision to halt the increase in subscription price was to protect customers while the investigation goes on.

    It read in part: “Nigeria to maintain its current subscription prices until the ongoing investigation into its proposed price hike is concluded.

    “This directive follows MultiChoice Nigeria’s request for an extension regarding its scheduled appearance before the Commission.

    “While the FCCPC has granted the request, the company is now required to attend the rescheduled investigative hearing on March 6, 2025, along with all relevant officers and a comprehensive response.

    “Pursuant to this, MultiChoice is expressly instructed to maintain the existing price structure as of February 27, 2025, pending the Commission’s review and final determination on the matter.

    “Maintaining the status quo on pricing is essential to prevent any potential consumer harm during this period.

    “Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.”

  • FCCPC begins inquiry into high cost of BP, diabetes medications

    FCCPC begins inquiry into high cost of BP, diabetes medications

    The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), has commenced an inquiry into the high cost and variation in the prices of drugs in the country.

    Mr Tunji Bello, the Executive Vice Chairman of the Commission, said at the opening of the inquiry with pharmaceutical and healthcare stakeholders in Abuja on Wednesday, that the inquiry was in line with the Commission’s mandate.

    Bello was represented by Mrs Boladale Adeyinka, the FCCPC’s Director, Surveillance and Investigations Department.

    He said the inquiry was aimed at identifying factors contributing to the disparities in healthcare accessibility and affordability, particularly regarding blood pressure and diabetes medications.

    Bello said the cost of medications had risen significantly over the past one year which had made it difficult for consumers to afford the treatment they needed.

    ”We believe that this forum will be the basis for recommendations and way forward and also ensure that Nigerians have access to quality and affordable healthcare services.

    ”The high cost of drugs not only affect patients’ health outcome but also places a strain on our health care system.

    ”The Commission has received consumer complaints regarding the variation and high costs of the same drugs in different markets,” he s

    The President, Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Ibrahim Tanko, said that access to affordable and quality medicine was the fundamental pillar of healthcare.

    Tanko, represented by Salamatu Orakwelu, the Chairman, Abuja Chapter of PSN, said that collaborative efforts between policy makers, health care professionals and industry players  was critical to tackling challenges and safeguarding patients wellbeing.

    He said that PSN would support initiatives that would promote price stability, enhance drug accessibility and strengthen the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) for the benefit of all Nigerians.

    ”As pharmacists, we remain committed to ensuring equity, transparency and sustainability in the pharmaceutical supply chain.

    ”Together, we can build a health care system that truly serve the people,” Tanko said.

    Ambrose Ezeh, a Pharmacist and the National Chairman, Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria, said that healthcare services should be also considered to achieve a robust health care system in the country.

    ”When we are talking about patients, healthcare services should also be mentioned because there are a lot of thing that contribute to a perfect health care system and not just drugs,” he said.

    Speaking on factors contributing to the high cost of medications, Ezeh said that 70 per cent of raw materials used in drugs production were imported.

    He said that foreign exchange rate and electricity tariffs were major contributors to the high cost of medications.

    ”Local manufacturers source most of their materials outside the country. Even starch to produce paracetamol is imported,” he said.

    Ezeh appealed to the government to subsidise energy for drug manufacturers in the country to help bring down prices.

    Osaretin Asowata, a Pharmacist and representative of the Society for Family Health (SFH) Abuja, said the Society would support any initiative or steps aimed at making not just medicines but healthcare more affordable and accessible to Nigerians.

    Other health sector stakeholders from different pharmaceutical stores and companies attended the event.

  • FCCPC summons Multichoice over DSTV, GOTV subscription hike

    FCCPC summons Multichoice over DSTV, GOTV subscription hike

    The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) have summoned MultiChoice, the company behind DStv, over the planned increase in its cable TV subscription prices.

    TheNewsGuru earlier reported that Multichoice is preparing to implement a 21% increase in the subscription fee for its DStv Compact package, raising the price from ₦15,700 to ₦19,000, effective March 1, 2025.

    The increase comes nearly a year after the last price review.

    In reaction, FCCPC in a statement on Tuesday disclosed that Multichoice is billed to attend an investigative hearing at its headquarters on Thursday, February 27, 2025.

    The commission, through  its Director, Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu, expresses concern at the rate Nigerian consumers continue to face frequent price increases.

    The agency further highlighted the issues related to ongoing unilateral price hikes, potential abuse of market dominance, and perceived anti-competitive practices within the pay TV industry.

    Ijagwu stated that the summons exercised the powers of the FCCPC, as outlined in sections 32 and 33 of its founding legislation.

    The statement also mentioned that if Multichoice fails to provide satisfactory justifications for its actions or is found to be violating fair market principles, the FCCPC will impose regulatory penalties, sanctions, or other corrective measures to protect Nigerian consumers.

  • FCCPC to telcos: Tariffs hike must be free of hidden, unexpected charges

    FCCPC to telcos: Tariffs hike must be free of hidden, unexpected charges

    The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) says it is committed to effective monitoring of the impact of the new telecommunications tariff adjustment to ensure compliance with established regulatory standards.

    Mr Ondaje Ijagwu, the Director, Corporate Affairs of FCCPC, said this in  a statement in Abuja on Wednesday.

    Ijagwu said that  the commission was working with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to address concerns  raised by consumers during the transition period and beyond.

    He urged telecom operators to prioritise visible and measurable improvements in network reliability, speed, accessibility, and customer service as part of any tariff adjustment, saying that consumers’ interest is paramount.

    According to him,   it is crucial that tariff adjustments directly translate into demonstrable and tangible service enhancements for consumers.

    He commended the NCC for adopting a deliberate and measured approach by rationalising the tariff adjustment and linking it to commensurate improvements in service quality.

    ”The NCC’s approval of a 50 per cent adjustment, which is lower than the over 100 per cent increase initially proposed by operators, demonstrates a thoughtful effort to balance industry sustainability with consumer protection.

    ”We are also pleased with the NCC’s directive to operators to ensure that, henceforth, tariffs are clear, straightforward, and free of hidden charges or complexities.

    ”Operators are now required to disclose all key details upfront, including the cost, validity period, and the specific inclusions of a plan.

    ”Consumers can also expect a mandatory disclosure table from their service providers, enabling them to make informed decisions without worrying about unexpected charges or surprises,” he said.

    Ijagwu said that the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the FCCPC and NCC would provide a unified framework to oversee the implementation of the tariff adjustment in a manner that met the needs of consumers.

    He encouraged consumers to report any unfair practices or concerns through the commission’s official channels to ensure effective resolution.

  • One-hour flight costs over N14m – Air Peace

    One-hour flight costs over N14m – Air Peace

    Air Peace Ltd. says the operating cost for a one-hour flight exceeds N14 million.

    The airline’s Chief Operating Officer (COO),  Mrs Oluwatoyin Olajide, disclosed at a news conference on Friday in Lagos.

    Olajide said that N7 million is required to purchase 4,000 litres of jet A1 (aviation fuel), which is currently sold for N1,400 per litre.

    She added that for Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance and Insurance (ACMI), the airline spends about 4,000 dollars for a one-hour flight.

    According to the COO, N5 million is required for every one-hour flight, a figure significantly higher than what operators’ counterparts pay globally.

    “There are factors that define operating cost and they include aviation fuel which takes between 60 per cent to 65 per cent of the operating cost.

    “One litre of fuel is N1,400. If I have to operate a one-hour flight from here to Abuja, Port Harcourt, Owerri, I am going to be using about 4,000 litres of fuel.

    “So, on average, a one-hour flight costs N7 million on fuel alone. Also, ACMI costs 4,000 dollars for leasing planes, considering the challenges we are currently facing,” Olajide said.

    She explained that, on average, operating a one-hour flight costs N7 million, with an additional N7 million for fuel, bringing the total to N14 million.

    She noted that insurance for a one-hour flight costs an additional N5 million.

    “For financing, we pay about 30 per cent to borrow money, while foreign airlines pay around three percent. Also, Nigerian airlines pay four times more than others for spare parts,” she added.

    According to Olajide, given the operating costs of Nigerian airlines, it is not easy operating with the current airfares.

    She emphasised that a one-hour trip within Nigeria should cost no less than N500,000.

    Speaking on the recent report of fare exploitation, Olajide said that the allegation had cost the airline a major international slot.

    She also clarified that the Federal Consumer and Customer Protection Commission (FCCPC) only invited the airline for enquiry and not investigation as reported by some media.

    She said that the Chairman of the Airline, Dr Allen Onyema, honoured the invitation.

    She, however, said that FCCPC, could have directed the enquiry to the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), the regulator of the airline.

    Olajide recalled the airline’s selflessness during COVID-19, Xenophobia and the evacuation of stranded Nigerians from foreign countries at no cost.

    Recall that the FCCPC had on Dec. 2 written to the airline, inviting them for an enquiry on the complaint of fare exploitation.

    The FCCPC later clarified that it was not conducting an investigation into the airline but rather an enquiry, contrary to reports circulated in the media.

  • FCCPC probes Air Peace over exploitative ticket pricing

    FCCPC probes Air Peace over exploitative ticket pricing

    The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) says its inquiry into allegations of exploitative ticket pricing by AirPeace and other entities is still ongoing.

    A notice signed by Mr Ondaje Ijagwu, the Director, Corporate Affairs of the commission in Abuja on Thursday, said the inquiry commenced on Dec. 3.

    Ijagwu was reacting to media reports which quoted the commission as saying that the Federal Government was not investigating AirPeace.

    He said that Air Peace was one of the entities being engaged to address allegations of exploitative ticket pricing, including significant price hikes for advance bookings on specific domestic routes.

    According to him, these inquiries, being conducted under the FCCPAct (FCCPA) 2018, are focused on addressing poor service delivery, exploitative practices, and potential consumer rights violations.

    Ijagwu said that the investigation was aimed at ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, improving transparency, and protecting consumer interests.

    ”The referenced story, which seems syndicated and sponsored, did not emanate from the FCCPC. We advise the public to disregard it in its entirety.

    ”The FCCPC stands firmly by its official release dated Dec. 1, which announced inquiries into widespread consumer complaints in the banking, telecommunications, and aviation sectors.

    ”The FCCPC reaffirms that the inquiry into Air Peace commenced as scheduled on Dec. 3, and remains ongoing,” he said.

    He said that the commission was currently reviewing information and responses provided by Air Peace and other entities under inquiry.

    The director said that appropriate determinations would be made, and necessary actions taken to address any identified violations.

    ”We urge the public to rely solely on verified communications from the FCCPC,” he said.

  • We never gave traders one-month ultimatum to crash prices — FCCPC

    We never gave traders one-month ultimatum to crash prices — FCCPC

    The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), has said, contrary to report making the news space, in the past few days, the Commission never issued any ultimatum to traders to crash prices.

    Debunking the report at a One-Day Stakeholders’ Engagement on Exploitative Pricing, held in Lagos on Wednesday, The Executive Vice Chairman, Tunji Bello stated that, rather, the Commission’s present pre-occupation is to fight price gouging, price fixing and unwholesome practices in the nation’s markets.

    According to him, rather than take a task that is not part of its mandate, the commission’s focus is to look at some sharp market practices, causing incessant hike in the prices of goods and commodities, with the aim of tackling them.

    Bello explained that the decision to organize the stakeholders’ engagement with market women, traders and others, was part of the agency’s attempt at finding a lasting solution to the issue of exorbitant prices in the market.

    “We discovered that some traders form cartels in the markets and put barriers in form of ridiculous membership fees intended to ensure price fixing in the market. Without joining them, they won’t allow anyone to sell goods in the market or provide services. Such practices are against the law and constitute some of the offenses the Commission is against.

    “The purpose of the town-hall meeting initiative is to engage you the stakeholders in the production and retail segment of the market as well as service providers, to hear your own stories, with a view to achieving a consensus for the benefit of all of us,” he stated.

    While acknowledging that the exchange rate and the increase in petrol price have made the old prices unsustainable, Bello however frowned at disproportionate increases in the prices of food items which he said are often perpetrated by “cartels” to exploit consumers.

    The FCCPC boss stated that even though some sections of the law empower the commission to deal decisively with offenders, the commission chose to first explore the option of dialogue with a view to arriving at a consensus to deal with the growing trend.

  • FCCPC gives traders moratorium to crash prices of goods

    FCCPC gives traders moratorium to crash prices of goods

    The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), has given one month moratorium to traders and other market stakeholders involved in exploitative pricing to crash the prices of goods.

    The newly appointed Executive Vice Chairman of the FCCPC, Mr Tunji Bello, said this at a one-day stakeholders engagement on exploitative pricing on Thursday in Abuja. According to Bello, the Commission will begin enforcement after the moratorium.

    He said that the meeting was to address the growing trend of unreasonable pricing of consumer goods and services and the unwholesome practice of market associations.

    Bello gave a description of the Commission’s finding that a fruit blender known as Ninja was being sold at a popular supermarket in Texas for 89 dollars (N140,000.00) but the same product was displayed for N944,999.00 in a supermarket in Victoria Island, Lagos.

    Bello wondered the basis for the arbitrary hike in the price of the blender compared to the Texas, United States of America. He said the unwholesome practices including price fixing was threatening the stability of the economy.

    ”Under Section 155, violators whether individuals or corporate entities face severe penalties including substantial fines and imprisonment if found guilty by the court. This is intended to deter all parties involved in such illicit activities.

    ”However, our approach today is not punitive. I, therefore, call on all stakeholders to embrace the spirit of patriotism and cooperation. It is in this spirit that we are giving a moratorium of one month (September) before the Commission will start firm enforcement, ” he said. Bello said the government was aware of most of the problems raised by the market stakeholders.

    ”We have heard and you have genuine issues and government has the responsibility to address the problems but generally, let us talk to ourselves too. There are also gang ups to exploit consumers by traders,” he said.

    Some of the market stakeholders who spoke at the engagement said that high cost of transportation, insecurity, multiple taxation among others were reasons for the continuous increase in prices of goods and services.

    Mr Ifeanyi Okonkwo, the Chairman, National Association of Nigerian Traders, FCT Chapter, said that charges on imported goods at the Ports also contributed to the hike in prices. Okonkwo appealed to the Commission to set up a taskforce and involve the association in its enforcement.

    Mr Emmanuel Odugwu from Kugbo Spare Parts market, said the initial cost of transportation of a trailer load of tyres from Lagos to Abuja was N450,000 but now, it costs over one million naira to transport same.

    Ms Kemi Ashiri, the Liaison Manager, Flour Mills, said that fines by regulators needed to be harmonised for businesses to thrive.

    Ikenna Ubaka, who spoke on behalf of supermarket owners, alleged that banks’ interest rates to them were over 30 per cent, rent increment and hike in prices by distribution/ supply chains were reasons for the high cost of goods. Ubaka also alleged that electricity distribution companies were charging supermarkets exorbitantly.

    Mr Solomon Ukeme who represented Master Bakers Association, said that rapid increment of major ingredients like flour, sugar and butter contributed to the high cost of confectioneries.

    He said that a bag of flour formally sold for N34,000 was now being sold for N74,000. He said that multiple taxation was also the major cause for the high cost of bread. Various market associations also attended the engagement.

  • $220M Fine: FCCPC reacts to WhatsApp’s exit threat

    $220M Fine: FCCPC reacts to WhatsApp’s exit threat

    The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, FCCPC, announced that its million dollars fine imposed on WhatsApp and its parent company, Meta Platforms Inc., is a move towards a fairer digital market in Nigeria.

    The FCCPC made this known via its X page on Thursday, August 1, whilst addressing the social giant in Nigeria.

    According to FCCPC, the messaging app’s claim of leaving Nigerian is a strategy to influence public opinion and pressure the FCCPC to change its decision.

    It would be recalled that the commission had earlier imposed the $220 million fine on Meta Platforms for alleged discriminatory practices against Nigerian users and data.

    It found that Meta platforms had, at several occasions, violated Nigeria’s consumer protection and data laws over a long time.

    WhatApp’s legal team appealed the decision, arguing that the FCCPC did not give them a fair chance to understand and respond to the penalty before it was imposed.

    Reacting, FCCPC stated it investigated Meta Platforms and WhatsApp for violating its act and the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation, NDPR.

    The commission noted that meta violated multiple of these laws, adding that it imposed the $220 million fine to prevent future violations.

    It maintained that its actions are legitimate and similar to those taken by other countries where WhatsApp and Meta Operate.

    The statement reads; “WhatsApp’s claim that it may be forced to exit Nigeria due to FCCPC’s recent order appears to be a strategic move aimed at influencing public opinion and potentially pressuring the FCCPC to reconsider its decision.

    “The FCCPC investigated Meta Platforms and WhatsApp (jointly referred to as “Meta Parties”) for allegedly violating the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) and the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR).

    “The Commission found that Meta Parties engaged in multiple and repeated infringements of the FCCPA and the NDPR. These infringements included denying Nigerians the right to control their personal data, transferring and sharing Nigerian user data without authorisation, discriminating against Nigerian users compared to users in other jurisdictions and abusing their dominant market position by forcing unfair privacy policies.

    “The final order requires Meta Parties to take steps to comply with Nigerian law, stop exploiting Nigerian consumers, change their practices to meet Nigerian standards and respect consumer rights.

    “To deter future violations and ensure accountability for the alleged infringements the FCCPC also imposed a monetary penalty of $220 million.

    “The FCCPC’s actions are based on legitimate concerns about consumer protection and data privacy and the order is a positive step towards a fairer digital market in Nigeria. Similar measures are taken in other jurisdictions without forcing companies to leave the market. The case of Nigeria will not be different.”