A significant ruling was handed down by the Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal, chaired by Justice Thomas Okosu, imposing a N150 million fine on Multichoice Nigeria.
The tribunal also mandated that Multichoice offer one month of free subscriptions to its DStv and GOtv customers.
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The case was initiated by lawyer Festus Onifade, who challenged Multichoice’s decision to increase subscription rates for DStv and GOtv services starting May 1, 2024.
The tribunal had previously issued an order preventing the implementation of these new rates pending further hearings.
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) accused Multichoice of increasing fees without giving customers a one-month notice, arguing this move violated consumer protection laws.
Multichoice contested the tribunal’s authority, asserting that price regulation falls under the jurisdiction of the President of Nigeria.
However, Justice Okosu, leading a three-member panel, cited Section 39(2) of the FCCPC Act, affirming that the tribunal has nationwide jurisdiction over all profit-driven commercial activities.
Justice Okosu concluded that the tribunal is empowered to oversee consumer rights issues in this matter, rejecting Multichoice’s jurisdictional challenge.
The tribunal criticized Multichoice for defying its previous orders by raising prices, leading to the imposition of the hefty fine and the directive for free subscriptions.
