Multichoice Nigeria defies court order, increases DSTV, GOTV subscription rates

Multichoice Nigeria has drawn criticism after boldly raising the subscription rates for its DSTV and GOTV packages, despite a court order issued by the Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal (CCPT) in Abuja.

The CCPT’s ruling, issued on Monday, had restrained Multichoice Nigeria Limited from implementing its planned increase in subscription tariffs and product/service costs scheduled to take effect on May 1. However, the company proceeded with the price hike, leaving millions of subscribers with no option but to pay the elevated rates.

Consumers, who had protested the price hike citing economic challenges and the company’s failure to justify the increase, welcomed the CCPT’s ruling as a victory.

However, Multichoice’s disregard for the court order raises concerns about its commitment to ethical business practices and adherence to the law.

Meanwhile, the CCPT has granted an application for substituted service of the interim order, restraining Multi-Choice Nigeria Limited from increasing tariffs on DStv and Gotv packages.

The tribunal, presided over by Saratu Shafii, granted the applicant’s motion following allegations that officers of the pay-TV firm in Abuja office refused to accept service of the order and other court documents.

Festus Onifade, the applicant, revealed that the CCPT bailiff reported that a top manager at the Abuja office directed the documents to be sent through the Lagos headquarters.

Consequently, the tribunal granted the order of substituted service pursuant to the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act, FCCPA, 2018, and CCPT Rule, 2021.