The Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal has imposed a fine of N150 million on Multichoice Nigeria, the owner of DSTV and GOTV services, for disregarding its directive to halt a subscription fee increase.
This decision mandates the pay-TV company to offer a one-month free subscription to its Nigerian customers for both DSTV and GOTV packages.
The tribunal had earlier issued an order preventing Multichoice from raising its subscription fees until a lawsuit filed by Abuja-based lawyer Festus Onifade was resolved. Onifade contended that the eight-day notice given for the price increase was insufficient.
Multichoice argued that prior rulings had already addressed price regulation issues. However, Onifade maintained that the inadequate notice period was a more critical issue than the price hike itself. The tribunal upheld its jurisdiction and ruled in favor of Onifade.
The substantive hearing of the plaintiff’s suit is scheduled for July 3.
Further details will be provided as they become available.
