CCPT Halts MultiChoice Nigeria’s Tariff Increase: Tribunal Orders Temporary Restraint Pending Hearing

A Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal (CCPT) in Abuja has restrained MultiChoice Nigeria Limited from increasing its tariffs and product and service costs, which are set to begin on May 1.

The three-member tribunal, presided over by Saratu Shafii, issued an interim order following an ex-parte motion by Ejiro Awaritoma, counsel for the applicant, Festus Onifade.

The ruling restrained MultiChoice from proceeding with the impending price increase schedule, which will take effect from May 1, pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice filed before it. The tribunal also directed all parties in the suit to appear before the tribunal on May 7 at 10 a.m.

The petitioner, Festus Onifade, had dragged MultiChoice Nigeria Ltd and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) before the tribunal. The company had hiked the prices of all its packages on April 1, 2022.