The Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal has ordered Multichoice Nigeria, the Pay-TV operator of DStv and GOtv, to provide subscribers with one month of free subscription. The ruling, handed down on June 7th by a three-man panel led by Justice Thomas Okosu, also included a N150 million fine for Multichoice. The fine was imposed for challenging the tribunal’s jurisdiction and disobeying its previous order to halt price increases for its services.
This decision stems from a case filed by Barrister Festus Onifade against Multichoice and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC). Onifade argued that Multichoice unjustly increased subscription fees without providing the required one-month notice to customers. The tribunal had initially restrained Multichoice from implementing the price hike pending a full hearing.
Multichoice’s lawyer, Moyosore Onibanjo (SAN), objected to the tribunal’s jurisdiction, citing a previous ruling in their favor. However, the tribunal dismissed this objection, asserting its authority over the matter. Justice Okosu emphasized that the tribunal’s jurisdiction covers all business activities within Nigeria and found Multichoice in violation of its interim orders, thereby justifying the penalties imposed.