NEWS LEVERAGE

The Federal High Court in Abuja has struck out a suit filed by MultiChoice Nigeria Limited seeking to stop the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) from investigating its recent subscription price hikes for DStv and GOtv services.

Justice James Omotosho, who delivered the ruling on Thursday, described MultiChoice’s legal action as an abuse of court process, noting that a similar case involving the same parties is currently pending before another court. The judge subsequently dismissed the application in its entirety.

MultiChoice had earlier defied the FCCPC’s invitation for regulatory engagement in February and went ahead with another round of price increases barely eight months after a previous hike. Rather than responding to the commission’s inquiries, the pay-TV provider sought a court injunction to block further investigation.

In his ruling, Justice Omotosho reinforced the powers granted to the FCCPC under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018, particularly Sections 17 and 88, which empower the Commission to investigate exploitative pricing and recommend regulatory action to the President. The court also affirmed that the President has the authority to declare certain goods and services as subject to price control, delegating enforcement powers to the FCCPC as needed.

The FCCPC’s legal team was led by Prof. Joseph Abugu (SAN), while Mr. J. Onigbanjo (SAN) represented MultiChoice.

Welcoming the judgment, FCCPC Executive Vice Chairman/CEO Mr. Tunji Bello said the ruling reinforces the rule of law and validates the Commission’s authority to act in the public interest.

“This is a significant win for Nigerian consumers. It sends a clear message that companies cannot hide behind procedural technicalities to avoid regulatory oversight,” Bello said.

He reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to protecting consumers from exploitative pricing and other unfair practices, in accordance with the FCCPA 2018.