The Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal in Abuja has issued an interim order restraining MultiChoice Nigeria Limited from implementing its planned tariff increase for DStv and GOtv packages, scheduled to take effect from May 1, 2024.
This order follows a suit filed by an Abuja-based lawyer, Festus Onifade, who sought to prevent the price hike pending the hearing and determination of the case.
Chairman of the tribunal, Saratu Shafii, directed that the interim order be served on MultiChoice by pasting it at the company’s corporate headquarters, branch offices nationwide, known email addresses, social media handles, and any other public communication channels.
Onifade’s suit, marked CCPT/OP/2/2024, listed MultiChoice Nigeria Ltd and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission as defendants.
The tribunal granted the interim injunction following an ex parte motion moved by Onifade’s counsel, Ejiro Awaritoma, to halt the tariff increase pending further court proceedings.
Despite efforts by the tribunal to serve MultiChoice with the order, the company’s staff at the Abuja office reportedly refused to accept the documents.
Consequently, the tribunal issued an order of substituted service, directing that the order be conspicuously displayed at MultiChoice’s offices nationwide and communicated through various channels.
MultiChoice had previously announced price hikes for its DStv and GOtv packages, citing increased operational costs in Nigeria.
However, the tribunal’s interim injunction temporarily halts the implementation of these tariff adjustments until the case is fully heard and determined.
This development underscores the importance of consumer protection and regulatory oversight in ensuring fair business practices and safeguarding the interests of consumers.
