The Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal has fined Multichoice Nigeria, the owner of DSTV and GOTV, N150 million for challenging the court’s jurisdiction.
The court also ordered the company to provide their customers in Nigeria with a one-month free subscription.
Previously, the tribunal had restrained Multichoice from increasing subscription fees without adequate notice, following a suit by Barrister Festus Onifade. Onifade argued that the 8-day notice given by Multichoice for a price hike was insufficient.
Multichoice’s lawyer contended that price regulation disputes had been settled before and should not be re-litigated. However, Onifade emphasized the lack of proper notice rather than the price hike itself, leading the tribunal to assert its jurisdiction and rule against Multichoice.
The verdict, delivered by a panel led by Thomas Okosu on Friday, mandated Multichoice to provide a one-month free subscription to all Nigerian customers on DSTV and GOTV.
Nairametrics previously reported that the tribunal had restrained Multichoice from increasing its subscription rates pending the hearing and determination of a motion on notice filed by Barrister Festus Onifade.
