Nigerian subscribers to DSTV and GOtv, owned by MultiChoice Group, can expect a free month of service after a consumer tribunal slammed the company with a fine. The Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal (CCPT) imposed a 150 million naira ($107,142.86) fine on Friday, citing contempt of court and ordering the free service as compensation.
The controversy began in April when MultiChoice, Africa’s largest pay-TV operator, announced a 25% subscription hike in Nigeria. Subscriber Festus Onifade challenged the move, arguing that the eight-day notice provided by MultiChoice was inadequate. He filed a lawsuit, prompting the CCPT to issue a temporary order halting the price increase on April 29th.
However, MultiChoice defied the court order and proceeded with the price hike. This act of defiance triggered Friday’s ruling, where the CCPT not only imposed the fine but also asserted its authority over consumer rights cases in Nigeria.
Justice Thomas Okosu, who led the tribunal, stressed the importance of upholding consumer rights and deterring similar actions by companies. MultiChoice has yet to comment on the ruling or indicate their intention to appeal.
