The Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal has mandated MultiChoice Nigeria to offer a one-month free subscription to its DStv and GOtv customers following an unauthorized price increase.
Additionally, the tribunal imposed a N150 million fine on MultiChoice Nigeria for disputing the jurisdiction of an Abuja court that had previously issued an injunction preventing the company from raising the prices of its packages.
The three-member panel, led by Thomas Okosu, delivered the verdict on Friday, June 7.
The court referenced Section 39(2) of the FCCPC Act, asserting that the tribunal holds jurisdiction across the federation over all commercial activities intended to generate profit.
“The jurisdiction of this tribunal extends to all business activities within Nigeria,” Okosu said.
The judge stated that, after reviewing the relevant provisions cited by both parties, he found no requirement for an aggrieved consumer seeking to enforce their rights to file a complaint with the President of Nigeria or the Price Control Board.
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He also noted that the claimant had written letters to the FCCPC before filing the case.
“I have come to the conclusion that this tribunal has the jurisdiction to preside over consumer rights as in the instant case and I resolve this issue against Multichoice,” the judge said.
The tribunal clarified that the claimant’s suit is not challenging the MultiChoice price hike itself, as argued by Onibanjo, but rather the illegality of the eight-day notice given to customers.
The tribunal observed that MultiChoice has already disregarded its interim orders and condemned the company’s action of increasing DStv and GOtv prices, stating that such behavior cannot be tolerated.
The tribunal dismissed MultiChoice’s preliminary objection for not complying with its interim orders.
As a result, the tribunal imposed an administrative penalty on MultiChoice for failing to follow its order, mandating the first defendant to pay a N150 million penalty.
“Multichoice is hereby ordered to give Nigerians one month free subscription,” Okosu added.
