In a significant legal development, MultiChoice Nigeria and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) have jointly approached the Appeal Court to resolve the ongoing dispute surrounding the recent price hikes on DSTV and GOTV subscription packages. This move comes after regulatory interventions and public outcry over the increased fees for satellite TV services across the country.
The price adjustments announced earlier this year sparked widespread concern among Nigerian consumers, many of whom alleged that the hikes were excessive and unjustified given the current economic climate. The FCCPC initially challenged MultiChoice’s decision, arguing that the increase breached consumer protection laws and lacked transparency. MultiChoice, on the other hand, maintained that the price revision was necessary to sustain service quality, cover operational costs, and accommodate inflationary pressures affecting the broadcasting industry.
Following a series of back-and-forth exchanges and a directive from a lower court urging negotiation, both parties have now escalated the matter to the Appeal Court, seeking a final and binding judgement. The case is expected to address critical issues such as regulatory oversight, consumer rights, and the balance between corporate sustainability and affordability in Nigeria’s pay-TV sector.
Stakeholders and subscribers await the court’s ruling, hoping it will bring clarity and stability to the pricing structure of popular satellite television services, which remain a vital source of entertainment and information for millions of Nigerians. The Appeal Court hearing is slated to commence in the coming weeks, with both MultiChoice and the FCCPC poised to present their arguments in full.
