An Abuja Federal High Court has dismissed a lawsuit filed by MultiChoice Nigeria, the parent company of DStv and GOtv, against the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) over the regulation of its subscription prices.
In a judgment delivered on Friday, the court ruled that the FCCPC lacks the power to impose price controls on the company’s services unless such regulation is backed by a directive from the President of Nigeria.
The court emphasized that Nigeria operates a free market economy, where prices are primarily determined by market forces and not through unilateral regulatory interference.
MultiChoice had approached the court to challenge the FCCPC’s efforts to intervene in its pricing structure, especially following several complaints from Nigerian subscribers over frequent price hikes.
The company maintained that its pricing is guided by operational realities and global market conditions.
However, the court clarified that while the FCCPC is empowered to protect consumer rights, it cannot unilaterally fix prices or interfere with private business models in the absence of an executive order or legislative backing.
The ruling is seen as a major victory for MultiChoice, reinforcing its right to determine its subscription prices. The decision may also set a precedent for future cases involving regulatory authority in sectors governed by free-market principles.
