The Federal High Court in Abuja has issued an order restraining the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) from taking any administrative action against MultiChoice Nigeria Limited over the recent price increases for DStv and GOtv subscriptions.
Justice James Omotosho granted the interim injunction on Wednesday in response to an ex parte motion filed by MultiChoice’s legal counsel, Moyosore Onibanjo (SAN), in the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/379/2025.
FCCPC Challenges MultiChoice’s Price Review
The FCCPC had summoned MultiChoice Nigeria to justify its price hike, expressing concerns about frequent increases, possible abuse of market dominance, and anti-competitive behavior in the pay-TV sector. It also directed the company’s CEO to appear for an investigative hearing on February 27, 2025.
The commission warned that failure to provide reasonable justification or comply with fair market practices could result in regulatory sanctions.
MultiChoice’s Legal Argument
MultiChoice approached the court seeking to prevent the FCCPC from sanctioning or disrupting its business operations over the price adjustment. The company argued that Nigeria operates a free-market economy where businesses are not required to seek approval before adjusting prices.
MultiChoice informed customers of the price hike in a letter dated February 21, 2025. However, on February 27, the FCCPC ordered the company to halt the increase. MultiChoice later challenged the commission’s authority in court, filing a suit on March 3, 2025.
According to MultiChoice, its subscription rates in Nigeria remain the lowest among all the countries where it operates. The company also claimed that despite the pending lawsuit, the FCCPC threatened prosecution in a letter dated March 3, 2025.
Court’s Ruling
After hearing arguments from MultiChoice’s counsel, Justice Omotosho issued an interim injunction preventing the FCCPC from taking any action against the company until the case is resolved. He also ordered an accelerated hearing, scheduling the next session for March 27, 2025.
DStv and GOtv Price Adjustments
MultiChoice had announced price adjustments for its DStv and GOtv packages, effective March 1, 2025. Under the new structure:
DStv Compact increases from ₦15,700 to ₦19,000 (25% hike).
DStv Compact Plus rises from ₦25,000 to ₦30,000 (20% hike).
DStv Premium jumps from ₦37,000 to ₦44,500 (20% hike).
GOtv Supa Plus increases from ₦15,700 to ₦16,800.
Following the announcement, the FCCPC initiated legal action against MultiChoice at a Lagos High Court, alleging regulatory violations and obstruction of an ongoing inquiry.
