MultiChoice Nigeria has announced plans to appeal a ruling by the Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal that imposed a N150 million fine on the company for defying a court order. The tribunal’s decision on Friday penalized the pay-TV provider for disregarding an order that halted its planned subscription fee hike.
The tribunal’s directive aimed to prevent MultiChoice from increasing its DStv and GOtv subscription rates until a case filed by Abuja-based lawyer Festus Onifade was resolved. Alongside the financial penalty, the tribunal mandated that MultiChoice provide Nigerian subscribers with a one-month free subscription to its services.
In response to the ruling, MultiChoice issued a statement expressing its disagreement with the tribunal’s decision. “MultiChoice Nigeria is aware of the recent ruling by the Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal regarding its jurisdiction to entertain a price regulation matter,” the statement read. “We disagree with the ruling and will therefore file an appeal against the said ruling.”
The company emphasized that due to the ongoing legal proceedings, it is limited in its ability to comment further. “As the matter is currently sub-judice, we are restrained from making further comments,” the statement concluded.
This latest development follows ongoing disputes over MultiChoice’s pricing strategies, which have attracted legal and regulatory scrutiny. The appeal process is expected to continue in the coming weeks as the company seeks to overturn the tribunal’s decision.
