The Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a lawsuit filed by MultiChoice Nigeria Limited—operator of DStv and GOtv—seeking to block the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) from taking administrative action over recent subscription price hikes. Justice James Omotosho ruled on Thursday that the suit constituted an abuse of court process.
MultiChoice had filed the suit after receiving multiple letters from the FCCPC demanding justification for its decision to increase prices despite ongoing legal proceedings. Initially, the court had granted an interim order restraining the FCCPC from taking further steps.
However, with this ruling, the Commission can now probe into the company’s pricing practices.
The FCCPC has maintained that consumer welfare must be safeguarded and that MultiChoice must offer transparent justification for its pricing strategy.