FCCPC investigates pay TV service providers over unfair price increases, others

*Investigation covers questions about unfair dealings, unreasonable/unjust contract terms, abuse of market power, pricing practices, other illegal conducts, says CEO Babatunde Irukera

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

Sequel to recent increases in charges of products and services, and in pursuant to Sections 17(b), (e), (g), (s),(x) (y), 18(3), 59, 61, 62, 69, 70(1)(2), 72, 73, 74, 108, 109 and 110 of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA), the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has commenced investigation into the conduct of leading Pay TV service providers in Nigeria.

Mr. Babatunde Irukera, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of FCCPC, in a statement Tuesday, September 1, 2020, in Abuja, FCT, said the probe into their recent activities was to address the regulatory Commission’s concerns and publicly express consumer dissatisfaction with Pay TV services.

The FCCPC Chief Executive disclosed that the scope of the investigation would include questions about unfair dealings, unreasonable and unjust contract terms, abuse of market power, pricing practices and other illegal conducts.

The Commission had over the past 24 months pursued legal action in court, secured an injunction preempting price increase, entered specific orders regarding a TV service provider, said he.

Irukera noted that the regulator has engaged in periodic surveillance and monitoring, and more recently investigated an alleged tax increase by one of the service providers.

The Chief Executive Officer, therefore, assured consumers that the FCCPC would continue to evolve initiatives and efforts at promoting and ensuring fairness to all.