The legal team of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has decided not to oppose the preliminary objection filed by Multichoice Nigeria, a leading Pay-TV operator, in a case involving the recent price increase of DStv and GOtv packages.
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The case, which was brought before the Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal (CCPT) in Abuja by Festus Onifade, a concerned consumer, had previously resulted in the tribunal issuing an interim order restraining Multichoice from implementing the planned price hike, which was scheduled to take effect from May 1, 2024.
During the hearing on Thursday, Multichoice’s lawyer, M.J. Onibanjo (SAN), argued that the tribunal lacked jurisdiction to hear the case, as a similar price dispute had already been decided in favor of his client in the past. Onibanjo urged the tribunal to strike out the suit, stating that the matter cannot be re-litigated.
Onifade, on the other hand, maintained that the issue at hand was not price regulation or increase, but rather the inadequacy of the notice given by Multichoice regarding the price adjustment. He argued that a monthly subscriber should be given at least a month’s notice.
Surprisingly, the FCCPC counsel, Nikiomari Abeke, informed the tribunal that the commission was not opposing Multichoice’s application and had not filed any counter-process.
The three-man panel, chaired by Justice Thomas Okosu, adjourned the suit to June 7 for ruling after hearing from all parties involved.
This development has raised questions about the FCCPC’s stance on the matter and its commitment to protecting consumer rights in the face of price hikes by service providers.
Multichoice had announced new price adjustments for DStv and GOtv packages on April 24, 2024, citing rising costs of business operations as the reason for the difficult decision. The company maintained that it remains committed to providing the best entertainment and viewing experience to its customers.
As the case continues to unfold, consumers and industry stakeholders eagerly await the tribunal’s ruling on June 7, which could have significant implications for the Pay-TV sector and consumer protection in Nigeria.
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