MultiChoice Nigeria to Appeal N150m Fine Over Subscription Dispute Ruling

MultiChoice Nigeria has announced its intention to appeal the ruling by the Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal in Abuja, which imposed a N150 million fine on the company for contesting the court’s jurisdiction in a subscription pricing dispute.

The tribunal had instructed MultiChoice Nigeria to refrain from raising its monthly subscription fees during the pendency of a case brought before it by Festus Onifade, a lawyer in Abuja. In addition to the fine, the tribunal directed MultiChoice to offer Nigerian customers a one-month complimentary subscription to DStv and GOtv packages.

In response, MultiChoice expressed its disagreement with the tribunal’s decision and stated its intent to file an appeal. The company cited its plans to challenge the ruling, considering it unjust and not in accordance with its legal stand on the matter.

According to a statement released by MultiChoice Nigeria, they find the tribunal’s ruling concerning its jurisdiction in regulating pricing matters to be unfounded. The company emphasized its commitment to pursuing all available legal avenues to contest the ruling, implying a protracted legal battle over the subscription dispute.

As the legal proceedings are ongoing, MultiChoice Nigeria refrained from providing further details or comments on the issue. The company’s decision to appeal the ruling underscores its resolve to challenge the regulatory oversight imposed by the tribunal.