The Federal High Court in Abuja has issued an order preventing the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) from taking administrative action against MultiChoice Nigeria following the company’s recent subscription price hike for DStv and GOtv.
Justice James Omotosho granted the interim injunction in response to an ex parte motion filed by MultiChoice’s legal team, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Moyosore Onibanjo. The motion aims to restrain the FCCPC from penalizing or interfering with MultiChoice’s business operations regarding the price adjustments.
The FCCPC had previously summoned MultiChoice Nigeria to explain its frequent price increases, citing concerns about anti-competitive practices and abuse of market dominance. The regulatory body warned that failure to justify the price hikes could lead to sanctions.
In its response, MultiChoice argued that Nigeria operates a free-market economy where businesses have the right to set their own prices without regulatory interference. The company further stated that the FCCPC lacks the legal authority to regulate or approve pricing decisions.
MultiChoice’s Legal Stand
The company’s court filing outlined three key requests:
- A restraining order preventing the FCCPC from issuing directives that could disrupt MultiChoice’s business.
- An injunction stopping any regulatory sanctions related to the price increase.
- Legal clarification on whether the FCCPC has the power to regulate private-sector pricing.
MultiChoice also revealed that it had informed subscribers of the price adjustments as early as February 21, 2025. However, the FCCPC ordered the company to suspend the hike on February 27, leading to legal action.
What Happens Next?
With the court’s ruling, the FCCPC is temporarily barred from taking further action until a full hearing on the case. This legal battle could set a precedent for regulatory oversight in Nigeria’s pay-TV industry, where price hikes have often sparked public outcry.
Stay tuned for more updates as the case unfolds.
