TOUCHAHEART – In a landmark ruling, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) Tribunal has imposed a N150 million fine on Multichoice, owners of DStv and Gotv, for unjustly increasing subscription fees without adequate notice to customers.
Background of the Case
The FCCPC had accused Multichoice of violating consumer rights by hiking prices without a one-month notice, prompting the tribunal to seek interim orders against the Pay TV provider.
Multichoice challenged the tribunal’s jurisdiction, arguing that price regulation falls under the President’s purview.
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Tribunal’s Verdict
The three-man panel, chaired by Justice Thomas Okosu, affirmed the tribunal’s jurisdiction over commercial activities in Nigeria, citing Section 39(2) of the FCCPC Act.
The judge ruled that Multichoice had disobeyed the tribunal’s orders and unjustly increased prices, condemning the action.
The tribunal ordered Multichoice to offer free DStv and Gotv subscriptions to affected customers and pay the N150 million fine.
