DStv, GOtv Price Hike Crushed As Court Sides With Consumers

The Federal High Court in Abuja has thrown out a lawsuit filed by MultiChoice Nigeria Limited, which sought to challenge regulatory opposition to its recent price increases on DStv and GOtv subscriptions.

Delivering judgment on Thursday, Justice James Omotosho ruled that MultiChoice’s case constituted an abuse of court process. He stated that the company was fully aware of a similar pending lawsuit by legal practitioner Festus Onifade, yet chose to file a separate case.

The court held that MultiChoice should have pursued its concerns within the context of the earlier case already before the court.

Justice Omotosho clarified that while the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) does have the authority to probe anti-competitive practices and market dominance, it lacks the legal power to halt or reverse price increases without first conducting a thorough investigation.

He further pointed out that, under Nigerian law, only the President has the legal authority to control or regulate prices, and even then, such measures must affect an entire industry rather than targeting one specific company like MultiChoice.

The judge noted that the FCCPC had exceeded its mandate by directing MultiChoice to suspend its planned price hikes before completing an investigation.

Although the court acknowledged Nigeria’s free-market economy and upheld MultiChoice’s right to set its own prices, it dismissed the company’s case on procedural grounds.

Justice Omotosho emphasized the importance of regulatory agencies operating within their lawful mandates and following due process.

MultiChoice had earlier announced a subscription price increase effective March 1, 2025, citing inflation. The move sparked public outrage and prompted the FCCPC to summon the company and threaten sanctions, leading MultiChoice to seek protection from the courts.

The judge concluded that while businesses in a free-market system are permitted to set prices, any dispute over regulatory action must follow established legal procedures. MultiChoice’s failure to do so led to the dismissal of its suit.