FCCPC does not oppose DStv, GOtv price hike

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) announced on Thursday that it does not oppose the recent tariff increases by MultiChoice Nigeria Limited, the operators of DStv and GOtv.

This position was stated by FCCPC’s lawyer, Nikiomari Abeke, during a session before the Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal (CCPT) in Abuja.

The CCPT, chaired by Thomas Okosun, previously issued an interim order on April 29 restraining MultiChoice from implementing the price hike, which was set to take effect on May 1. This order followed a motion filed by Festus Onifade, who sought to prevent the price increase pending a hearing on the matter.

Onifade, also a legal practitioner, filed the suit (CCPT/OP/2/2024) against MultiChoice and FCCPC, seeking an injunction to halt the tariff hike until the motion on notice is resolved.

However, MultiChoice’s lawyer, Moyosore Onigbanjo, SAN, filed a preliminary objection, arguing that the tribunal lacked jurisdiction, citing a previous decision in favor of MultiChoice on a similar issue.

During Thursday’s session, Onigbanjo presented and adopted the tribunal’s previous judgment (CCPT/OP/1/2022) as evidence, arguing that the tribunal cannot re-litigate a matter it has already decided.

Onifade countered, stating that his current case focused on the adequacy of the notice period given by MultiChoice for the price increase, rather than the price regulation itself.

FCCPC’s lawyer, Abeke, confirmed that the commission did not file any opposition to MultiChoice’s preliminary objection. Following the arguments, the tribunal adjourned the case until June 7 for a ruling.