N150m Fine: MultiChoice Reacts to Tribunal Verdict

MultiChoice Nigeria has announced its intention to appeal a N150 million fine imposed by the Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal (CCPT). The tribunal fined the company for challenging its jurisdiction and ordered MultiChoice to provide one-month free subscriptions on DStv and GOtv to Nigerians.

On April 24, MultiChoice increased the subscription costs for its DStv and GOtv packages. However, the tribunal intervened on April 29, halting the scheduled price hike, which was set to take effect on May 1.

MultiChoice contested this ruling on April 30 through an application filed by their lawyer, Moyosore Onibanjo. Despite this, the tribunal upheld its decision, referencing section 39 (2) of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) Act, which grants the tribunal jurisdiction over all profit-driven commercial activities across Nigeria.

Thomas Okosu, heading the three-man tribunal panel, imposed the penalty on MultiChoice for non-compliance with the tribunal’s order to suspend the price adjustments.

In response, MultiChoice issued a statement expressing disagreement with the tribunal’s ruling. “MultiChoice Nigeria is aware of the recent ruling by the Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal (CCPT) regarding its jurisdiction to entertain a price regulation matter,” the company stated. “We disagree with the ruling, and will therefore file an appeal against said ruling.”

The company has refrained from further comments, citing the matter as sub judice.