A Nigerian court has ruled that the country’s consumer protection agency does not have the power to fix or suspend subscription prices charged by MultiChoice Nigeria, the company behind DStv and GOtv.
Justice James Omotoso of the Federal High Court in Abuja made the ruling on Thursday, stating that only the President of Nigeria has the authority to regulate prices—if officially delegated through a gazetted order.
The case followed a recent 25% increase in subscription fees by MultiChoice on March 1, 2025, the second hike in less than a year. The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) opposed the increase and threatened sanctions, later taking legal action in a separate court in Lagos.
While Justice Omotoso dismissed MultiChoice’s suit against the FCCPC, calling it an “abuse of court process” due to ongoing proceedings elsewhere, he clarified that the FCCPC overstepped its powers by trying to block the price hike.
“The FCCPC may investigate businesses,” the judge said, “but it cannot fix prices unless specifically instructed by the President, which did not happen here.”
The court also stated that Nigeria’s economy is based on a free market, allowing companies to set their own prices, and customers are free to choose whether or not to pay for the service.
Justice Omotoso further ruled that MultiChoice had the right to a fair hearing and said the FCCPC’s actions seemed unfairly targeted. He also dismissed the idea that MultiChoice holds a monopoly, noting that its services are not essential.
The judge warned that attempts to control prices without legal backing could scare off investors and damage the economy.