A Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal in Abuja issued a restraining order on MultiChoice Nigeria Limited, preventing the company from increasing tariffs and the cost of its products and services. This decision comes in response to MultiChoice’s announcement last week of a price hike across its DStv and GOtv packages, set to take effect from May 1, 2024.
The tribunal, presided over by Saratu Shafii, granted an interim order following an ex-parte motion presented by Ejiro Awaritoma, counsel for the applicant, Festus Onifade. The order prohibits MultiChoice from implementing the planned price increase pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice filed before the tribunal.
Shafii emphasized the need to safeguard the rights of consumers and directed all parties involved to appear before the tribunal on May 7 for the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.
The lawsuit, marked CCPT/OP/2/2024, was brought against MultiChoice Nigeria Ltd and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) by Onifade, who sought two orders: an interim injunction restraining MultiChoice from proceeding with the price increase scheduled for May 1, 2024, and an order preventing MultiChoice from taking any actions that could negatively impact consumers’ rights pending the resolution of the case.