The Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed May 8, 2025, for judgment in the legal battle between MultiChoice Nigeria and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) over the recent hike in subscription fees for DStv and GOtv services. Justice James Omotosho set the date after hearing arguments from both parties on whether the FCCPC has the authority to regulate MultiChoice’s pricing decisions.
MultiChoice, represented by Moyosore Onigbanjo SAN, argued that Nigeria operates a free-market economy where service providers are not required to seek regulatory approval before adjusting prices. The company contended that the FCCPC Act does not empower the Commission to regulate prices, asserting that only the President of Nigeria holds such authority. MultiChoice had earlier filed a suit challenging FCCPC’s directive to suspend its price increase, claiming it was unfairly targeted.
On the other hand, FCCPC’s counsel, Prof. Joe Agbugu SAN, maintained that the Commission acted within its mandate to protect consumers from exploitative pricing practices. He argued that while FCCPC does not fix prices, it has the authority to investigate price hikes by dominant market players to prevent abuse. Agbugu emphasized that MultiChoice failed to justify its price increases during an investigative hearing.
The court had previously issued a restraining order barring FCCPC from taking administrative steps against MultiChoice pending the resolution of the case.
