Multichoice Nigeria has announced its intention to appeal a recent ruling by the Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal (CCPT) which imposed a N150 million fine on the company for challenging the court’s jurisdiction. The tribunal also ordered Multichoice to provide Nigerians with a one-month free subscription on DStv and GOtv.
The CCPT had previously halted Multichoice from increasing subscription fees without adequate notice, following a lawsuit by Festus Onifade. Onifade argued that the eight-day notice given by Multichoice for a price hike was insufficient.
In response to the ruling, Multichoice expressed its disagreement and confirmed plans to appeal the decision. The company stated:
“MultiChoice Nigeria is aware of the recent ruling by the Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal (CCPT) regarding its jurisdiction to entertain a price regulation matter. We disagree with the ruling and will therefore file an appeal against said ruling. As the matter is currently sub judice, we are restrained from making further comments.”
Onifade had sued Multichoice Nigeria Ltd and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), accusing the pay-TV provider of unjustly increasing subscription fees without giving customers a one-month notice. He also sought interim orders against the company.
A three-member tribunal chaired by Saratu Shafii ruled in favor of Onifade, restraining Multichoice from implementing the scheduled price increase set for May 1, 2024, until the Motion on Notice is heard and determined. The case is marked as CCPT/OP/2/2024.
