The Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal has imposed a N150m fine on Multichoice Nigeria, owners of DStv/GoTv, for defying its orders to halt a price increase pending the outcome of a lawsuit.
The tribunal also directed the company to offer its Nigerian customers a free month of subscription to its DStv and GOtv packages.
This ruling follows a legal challenge by an Abuja-based lawyer, Festus Onifade, who argued that the company’s 8-day notice for a price hike was insufficient.
Despite a court order to maintain the status quo, Multichoice proceeded with the price increase, leading to contempt charges against the company.
The tribunal’s three-man panel, led by Thomas Okosu, unanimously ruled against Multichoice, upholding its jurisdiction in the matter.
The substantive suit is scheduled for hearing on July 3.