By Joke Kujenya
THE FEDERAL Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has been accused of remaining silent on Thursday regarding MultiChoice Nigeria Limited’s recent price hike for DStv and GOtv subscriptions.
Despite public outcry, the FCCPC did not oppose the increased tariffs during the hearing before the Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal (CCPT) in Abuja.
Represented by its lawyer, Nikiomari Abeke, the FCCPC’s stance was revealed in a session presided over by a three-member tribunal chaired by Thomas Okosun.
This development follows an April 29 interim order by the CCPT, which temporarily restrained MultiChoice from implementing the price increase scheduled for May 1.
The order was issued in response to a motion filed by Festus Onifade, challenging the hike.
The tribunal, led by Saratu Shafii, mandated that all parties appear on May 7 to deliberate on the motion.
Onifade, who filed the suit CCPT/OP/2/2024, sought an interim injunction to halt the price increase until the motion’s resolution.
However, MultiChoice, through its counsel, Moyosore Onigbanjo, SAN, submitted a preliminary objection, urging the tribunal to dismiss the case on grounds of jurisdiction.
Onigbanjo argued that a similar price dispute had previously been adjudicated in MultiChoice’s favor.
He presented the tribunal’s prior decision in case CCPT/OP/1/2022 as evidence, asserting that the tribunal could not revisit its own rulings.
“This tribunal is bound by its own decision in Exhibit A; it is not the forum to regulate the prices and services offered by MultiChoice,” he contended.
Conversely, Onifade maintained that his case did not focus on price regulation but rather on the adequacy of the notice provided for the price increase.
He argued that the eight-day notice given by MultiChoice was legally insufficient, advocating for at least a month’s notice for subscribers.
The FCCPC, via counsel Abeke, confirmed it was not contesting MultiChoice’s objection, stating no counter-motion had been filed. After hearing arguments from both sides, the tribunal adjourned the case until June 7 for a ruling.
