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The Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal has imposed a N150 million fine on Multichoice Nigeria, the owner of DSTV and GOtv, for failing to comply with its orders. The tribunal had previously instructed Multichoice to refrain from increasing its monthly subscription fees until the resolution of an ongoing lawsuit.
In addition to the fine, the tribunal has ordered Multichoice to provide a one-month free subscription to all Nigerian customers of its DSTV and GOtv services.
This decision stems from a lawsuit filed by Abuja-based lawyer Festus Onifade, who argued that the eight-day notice Multichoice gave for the price increase was insufficient. The tribunal agreed with Onifade and directed Multichoice to halt any price hikes without adequate notice.
Multichoice argued that previous court decisions had already addressed issues related to price regulation. However, Onifade emphasized that the primary issue was the short notice period, not the price increase itself. The tribunal upheld its authority in the matter and ruled against Multichoice.
A hearing for the substantive case is scheduled for July 3.