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FCCPC files charges against MultiChoice over price hike

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The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission has filed charges against MultiChoice Nigeria Limited and its Chief Executive Officer, John Ugbe, for defying regulatory directives to suspend a subscription price hike.

FCCPC’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday.

On February 27, the FCCPC directed MultiChoice to suspend its planned price increase for DStv and GOtv services pending the conclusion of an investigation into the hike.

However, the company went ahead with the price adjustments on March 1, disregarding the directive.

The regulator said the charges, filed at the Federal High Court in Lagos, were based on three counts: obstructing the Commission’s inquiry, failing to comply with directives, and attempting to mislead the regulatory body.

Part of the statement reads, “Following the blatant disregard for regulatory oversight, the FCCPC has filed charges against MultiChoice Nigeria and John Ugbe at the Federal High Court, Lagos Judicial Division, on three counts of offences under the FCCPA 2018.

“Specifically for willfully obstructing the Commission’s inquiry by implementing a price hike contrary to directives (Section 33(4)), impeding the ongoing investigation by ignoring instructions to suspend the hike (Section 110), and attempting to mislead the Commission by proceeding with the increase without objection (Section 159(2), punishable under Section 159(4)(a) and (b)).”

The Commission described MultiChoice’s actions as a deliberate attempt to undermine regulatory authority, disrupt market fairness, and deny Nigerian consumers the protection guaranteed under the law.

“By disregarding the FCCPC’s directive and implementing the price hike before appearing before the Commission’s investigative hearing on March 6, 2025, MultiChoice has not only flouted regulatory processes but also demonstrated a pattern of conduct that undermines consumer rights and fair competition,” the statement added.

In addition to the legal action, the FCCPC said it is considering further enforcement measures, including sanctions and regulatory interventions, to ensure compliance and accountability.

MultiChoice had earlier informed customers of the impending price review, set to take effect on March 1, 2025, attributing the adjustment to rising costs of delivering premium content.

According to the notice titled “Price Adjustments for DStv and GOtv Packages,” the company said, “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 Compact Plus and Premium bouquets will remain at N30,000 and N44,500, respectively, the DStv Compact package is among the subscriptions expected to be affected by the price increase.

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Business

Dangote Refinery’s IPO Ends Tomorrow

“The level of investor interest reflects growing confidence in our business and in the strong financial results we have delivered,” the company said.

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[File photo] Opening ceremony of Dangote Refinery’s IPO on the NGX, September 14,2026

Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals has confirmed that its Initial Public Offering (IPO) will close on Tuesday, 27 October 2026 as scheduled, with no extension.

In a statement, the management said that the IPO has become a historic ownership moment, an opportunity for Africans at home and abroad to own a stake in one of the continent’s most strategic industrial assets.

“Investors recognise that this refinery is not merely an energy asset. It is a platform for industrial growth, foreign-exchange generation, regional trade, energy security and economic development across Africa,” management said.

The offer was structured to ensure ordinary investors participate alongside institutions, broadening ownership of the world-class asset.

“The level of investor interest reflects growing confidence in our business and in the strong financial results we have delivered,” the company said.

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Dangote Visit London Stock Exchange Ahead of November Cement Listing

Unlike an initial public offering, a secondary listing would let Dangote Cement, already listed on the Nigerian Exchange, set up an additional presence in London.

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Aliko Dangote visited the London Stock Exchange on Friday, October 23, 2026, as Dangote Cement Plc prepares a proposed $1 billion share sale and a secondary listing in the United Kingdom.

The company is reportedly targeting November 2026 for the listing, subject to market conditions and regulatory approval.

A video circulating on social media captured the visit, with exchange officials and attendees welcoming Africa’s richest man.

The trip is part of efforts to pull international investment into his business empire.

The proposed deal could see Dangote Cement offer about 10% of its equity to international investors, potentially raising roughly $1 billion.

The final timetable is not fixed and remains subject to market conditions and regulatory requirements.

Unlike an initial public offering, a secondary listing would let Dangote Cement, already listed on the Nigerian Exchange, set up an additional presence in London.

That could raise the company’s visibility with international institutional investors, including pension funds, asset managers and other investment firms.

The share sale has not been completed. Its final structure, valuation and pricing are still subject to confirmation.

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Olagunju to head JPMorgan’s Proposed Nigerian Merchant Bank

The proposed bank would expand JPMorgan’s presence beyond its representative office in Lagos. It could undertake a broader range of regulated banking activities after securing a final licence.

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The Central Bank of Nigeria has granted JPMorgan approval-in-principle to establish a merchant bank in Nigeria.

The regulator also approved Adedapo Adedayo Olagunju as Managing Director of the proposed JPMorgan Merchant Bank Nigeria Limited.

The approval came on Friday, October 23, 2026. The bank has not received its final operating licence.

Olagunju has led JPMorgan’s West African operations since 2018.

He is an Oxford-trained banker with more than two decades of experience in treasury management, financial markets, institutional banking and structured finance.

His appointment puts him in line to head the American bank’s proposed Nigerian merchant bank once final licensing is completed.

The CBN also approved four non-executive directors and three independent non-executive directors for the proposed institution.

The proposed bank would expand JPMorgan’s presence beyond its representative office in Lagos. It could undertake a broader range of regulated banking activities after securing a final licence.

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