The Court limits FCCPC to adopt administrative measures against Multichice on GOTV, increases in DSTV prices

A high Federal Court of Abuja retained on Wednesday the Federal Commission for the competition and the protection of consumers (FCCPC) to take “any administrative steps” against the Multichice Nigeria Limited following its increase in DSTV and GOTV prices.

Judge James Omotosho issued the order in an ex -part motion presented by the lawyer of Multichice, Moyosore J. Onibanjo (San), against the FCCPC, marked FHC/Abj/CS/379/2025.

The FCCPC had convened Multichice Nigeria to provide explanations regarding the revision of prices.

The Commission had ordered the CEO of the company to appear for an investigative auditor on February 27, 2025, raising concerns on frequent increases in prices, potential abuse on the market domain and anti -concurrent practices in the paid TV sector.

The FCCPC has also issued a stern notice, stating that the failure to justify prices or the conformation of the fair market principles would involve regulatory sanctions.

In the former part filed by the Multichice Legal Team, led by Onibanjo, the paid company has sought a provisional injunction order that prevents FCCPC and its officers from carrying out the pursuit of Multichicice, as communicated through a letter dated 3 March 2025, pending the hearing and determination of the interlocut motion.

“An order that prevents FCCPC and its officers from issuing further directives or of adopting any step that can stop the commercial activities of the multichiice pending the hearing and determination of the motion for an interlocutory injunction.

“An order of temporary injunction that prevents FCCPC, its agents, servants or individuals from sanctioning or penalizing the multichoice (the applicant) in any way in relation to its increase in prices awaiting hearing and determination of the motion for an interlocutory injunction.”

Citing the reasons for the application, O …Banjo said that Nigeria manages a free market economy in which the prices of goods and services are not regulated.

He argued that the FCCPC Act and other qualifying laws do not grant the commission to regulate prices or request companies to request approval before adapting the cost of their services.

He added that Multichice had communicated his intention to increase prices through a letter dated 21 February 2025.

He added, however, that the FCCPC, in a letter of February 27, 2025, ordered the Pay-TV company to suspend the increase in expected prices.

Subsequently, he stressed that Multichicice filed a cause on March 3, 2025, challenging, among other things, the power of the FCCPC to regulate prices or suspend its price adjustment.

“The applicant, after submitting the cause, proceeded to the expected increase in prices,” said Onibanjo.

The endowed silk declared to the Court that, despite the outstanding cause, the FCCPC threatened to pursue the multichoice through a letter dated 3 March 2025, if it did not provide a reasonable justification for having ignored the directive to suspend the increase in prices.

In a security declaration made by Gozie Onumonu, head of regulatory affairs and government relations in Multichice, and seen by Nairametrics, the company has argued that its subscription rates in Nigeria are the lowest of all the countries in which it operates.

“For example, the cost of the Premium package in Nigeria is equivalent to $ 29.81, while the same package costs $ 85.11 in Kenya,” said the entrust.

The endowed silk claimed that Multichice has the legal right to manage its business, including the adaptation of its prices when necessary.

Onibanjo also informed the court that, despite the outstanding case, the FCCPC issued a public declaration on March 5, 2025, regarding the subject, requesting a restrictive order.

At Wednesday’s hearing, Onibanjo referred to his former part and urged the court to consider a further sworn declaration by showing that the FCCPC had already taken measures despite the current dispute.

After listening to the lawyer’s oral application, the Omotosho judge prevented the FCCPC from adopting any “administrative mission” against the multichoice pending the determination of the case.

The judge also ordered an accelerated hearing on the matter and resolved on March 27, 2025 for the hearing.