Justice James Omotosho wey dey Federal High Court for Abuja don dismiss di case wey MultiChoice Nigeria (wey own DStv and GOtv) carry go court against di Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), say dem no suppose interfere for dia price increase matter.
For di judgment wey he deliver, Justice Omotosho talk say di case na waste of court time because similar matter still dey go on for Lagos court. He say MultiChoice suppose follow di Lagos case instead of to start new one.
But di judge still talk say even though FCCPC get power to investigate matter under di law wey set dem up, dem no get power to fix or stop any company price unless di President of Nigeria give dem permission through official gazette – and for this case, no evidence show say President give dem that kind power.
Justice Omotosho talk say for Nigeria, we dey operate free market system, and companies like MultiChoice fit set dia own price. If person no like am, dem fit waka leave am. He still talk say wetin FCCPC do — especially di order wey dem give MultiChoice to stop di price increase — no follow law and even deny MultiChoice fair hearing.
Di judge even say FCCPC claim say MultiChoice get dominant position for market no make sense because di kind service dem dey offer no be compulsory for Nigerians — anybody fit choose whether dem wan use am or not.
He warn say if government bodies dey try control prices anyhow, e fit scare foreign investors and spoil di economy. He talk say unless President talk am officially, FCCPC no get right to fix price for any service or product.
Di court still mention say MultiChoice increase price by 25% for March 1, 2025 because of inflation and higher cost of operation, and na this one provoke FCCPC to fight dem with law threat.
Omotosho conclude say FCCPC no follow correct process before dem begin order MultiChoice around, and say na only President fit regulate prices — and if e go happen, e go affect whole industry, no be just one company.
So as e be, di judge don side with MultiChoice, talk say na dem right under free market law to increase dia price, and say FCCPC overstep dem boundary for this matter.
READ ALSO: Price Hike: Court don fix May 8 to give judgment for di mata between MultiChoice and FCCPC
