On Friday, MultiChoice Nigeria announced its intention to appeal the ruling of the Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal in Abuja. The company expressed dissatisfaction, claiming that the tribunal breached its right to fair hearing.
The tribunal had fined MultiChoice Nigeria, a subsidiary of the South African-based pay-TV operator, ₦150 million for disregarding a court order that restrained it from increasing the prices of its DStv and GOtv packages. Additionally, the tribunal mandated MultiChoice to offer Nigerians a one-month free subscription on both platforms, DStv and GOtv.
The tribunal’s decision, led by Thomas Okosu and two other panel members, stemmed from a motion filed by Barrister Festus Onifade. Onifade argued that MultiChoice’s 8-day notice of a price increase was insufficient and requested a revision.
In response to the motion (marked CCPT/OP/2/2024), the tribunal had initially instructed MultiChoice to halt its planned price hike until the court could hear and decide on the Motion on Notice. However, MultiChoice proceeded with the price increase, prompting the tribunal’s sanction.
MultiChoice’s appeal is set to challenge the tribunal’s ruling, asserting that the sanction was unjustified and emphasizing their commitment to legal due process amidst regulatory challenges.
