FCCPC Unveils ‘Shocking’ Position on DStv and GOtv Subscription Price Hike

The recent increase in prices for DStv and GOtv subscriptions by MultiChoice Nigeria Limited was not contested by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC).

This information was disclosed by the FCCPC’s lawyer, Nikiomari Abeke, during a session of the Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal (CCPT) in Abuja. The CCPT, chaired by Thomas Okosun and consisting of three members, had previously issued an order on April 29 to prevent MultiChoice from implementing the price increase scheduled for May 1.

This order was a result of a motion filed by Festus Onifade, who sought to halt the price hike until a full hearing could take place.

The tribunal, led by Saratu Shafii, instructed all parties to appear for a hearing on May 7. MultiChoice, represented by Moyosore Onigbanjo, SAN, challenged the tribunal’s jurisdiction, arguing that a similar case had already been decided in their favor.

Onifade argued that his complaint was not about price regulation, but rather about the adequacy of the notice given for the price increase. Abeke confirmed that the FCCPC did not oppose MultiChoice’s preliminary objection and had not filed any counterarguments.