A federal high court in Abuja has thrown out a legal case filed by MultiChoice Nigeria against the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) over the agency’s attempt to stop a new hike in DSTV and GOTV subscription fees.
The matter began when MultiChoice raised the prices of its TV packages on March 1, 2025, nearly a year after a previous increase.
The announcement drew widespread backlash from subscribers, prompting the FCCPC to summon MultiChoice’s CEO for questioning on February 27.
The company replied that the date was not convenient and chose March 6 instead.
The commission also instructed MultiChoice to suspend the new prices while the investigation was ongoing, but the company went ahead with the price changes and filed a court case on March 3.
During the ruling delivered on Thursday, the judge, James Omotoso, said the suit was wrongly filed because similar proceedings were already in another court.
He noted that the FCCPC has the right to investigate companies but does not have the legal authority to control or suspend prices unless that power is given directly by the President through a formal government notice.
Since no such proof was presented, the court said the agency had no right to interfere with MultiChoice’s pricing.
Omotoso pointed out that Nigeria runs a free market system, allowing companies to set their own prices.
He added that people are not forced to use services like DSTV or GOTV, as they are not basic needs.
The judge also ruled that telling MultiChoice to stop the price hike without a proper hearing went against the company’s rights.
The court dismissed FCCPC’s claim that MultiChoice controls the pay-TV market, calling it weak.
It warned that such actions by regulatory bodies could discourage investors and hurt the economy.
While the FCCPC may still investigate market behaviour, the judge made it clear that price control is not part of its duties unless the President gives that power through the proper legal channel.
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