Broadcasting
Court Stops FG from Sanctioning MultiChoice over DStv, GOtv Tariff Hike

Federal High Court in Abuja, on Wednesday, restrained the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) from taking “any administrative steps” against MultiChoice Nigeria Limited following its upward review of DStv and GOtv bouquet prices.
Justice James Omotosho issued the order following an ex parte motion filed by MultiChoice’s lawyer, Moyosore J. Onigbanjo (SAN), against the FCCPC, in a suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/379/2025. Justice James Omotosho gave the order after an ex-parte motion moved by Moyosore Onigbanjo, SAN, counsel to MultiChoice.
Justice Omotosho, in the motion marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/379/2025, ordered FCCPC not to take “any administrative steps” against the pay-Tv company.
The FCCPC had summoned MultiChoice Nigeria Ltd to provide explanations regarding the March 1 price review of its packages.
The commission directed the company’s chief executive officer to appear for an investigative hearing on Feb. 27, raising concerns over frequent price hikes, potential market dominance abuse and anti-competitive practices within the pay-TV industry.
The FCCPC also issued a stern warning, stating that failure to justify the price adjustment or comply with fair market principles would lead to regulatory sanctions.
However in the ex parte motion filed by MultiChoice’s legal team led by Onigbanjo, the company sought an order of interim injunction restraining the FCCPC and its officers from carrying out the threat against it, as communicated via a letter dated March 3, pending the hearing and determination of the motion for an interlocutory injunction.
It also sought an order restraining the commission and its officers from issuing any further directive or taking any steps capable of disrupting its business activities, pending the hearing and determination of the motion for an interlocutory injunction.
“An order of interim injunction restraining the FCCPC, its agents, servants, or privies from sanctioning or penalising MultiChoice (the applicant) in any manner whatsoever in relation to its price increase pending the hearing and determination of the motion for an interlocutory injunction.” .
Onibanjo, in his grounds of argument, submitted that Nigeria operates a free-market economy where prices of goods and services are not regulated.
He argued that the FCCPC Act and other enabling laws do not grant the commission the authority to regulate prices or require businesses to seek approval before adjusting the cost of their services.
He added that MultiChoice had communicated its intention to increase prices via a letter dated Feb 21.
He said that the FCCPC, however, in a letter dated Feb. 27, ordered the pay-TV company to suspend its planned price increment.
The lawyer said following the development, the company filed a suit on March 3, challenging, among other things, the FCCPC’s power to regulate prices or suspend its price adjustment.
He said MultiChoice, after filing the suit, proceeded with the planned price increase.
He said despite the pending suit, the FCCPC threatened to prosecute MultiChoice via a letter dated March 3 if it failed to provide reasonable justification for disregarding the directive to suspend the price increment.
In an affidavit deposed to by Gozie Onumonu, head of Regulatory Affairs and Government Relations at MultiChoice, the company argued that its subscription rates in Nigeria are the lowest among all the countries where it operates.
“For instance, the cost of the Premium package in Nigeria is equivalent to $29.81, while the same package costs $85.11 in Kenya,” Onumonu said.
The officer maintained that MultiChoice had the legal right to operate its business, including adjusting its prices when necessary.
When the matter was called on Wednesday, Onigbanjo moved the motion, praying the court to grant their reliefs.
The judge, after hearing the lawyer’s application, restrained the FCCPC from taking any “administrative steps” against MultiChoice pending the determination of the case.
The judge equally ordered an accelerated hearing on the matter and adjourned the matter until March 27 for hearing.
Broadcasting
Glo-sponsored African Voices Features Star Author, Chimamanda Adichie

CNN African Voices Changemakers this week beams its light on celebrated author, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. The 30-minute magazine programme is sponsored by telecommunications company, Globacom.
The author was engaged by the show’s anchor, Larry Madowo, at Nsukka, where she spent her childhood at the same staff quarters of the University of Nigeria, where the legend of literature, Chinua Achebe, lived.
Arguably Africa’s most prolific contemporary writer, Adichie’s compelling story of grit and talent promises to inspire the audience, as it does her readers across the globe. The special package premieres on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., with rebroadcasts on Sunday, September 21, at 3:30 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.; Monday, September 22, at 3:00 a.m. and 5:45 p.m.; as well as the following weekend, Saturday, September 27, at 7:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.; Sunday, September 28, at 3:30 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.; and Monday, September 29, at 3:00 a.m. and 5:45 p.m.
Her narratives, beginning with Purple Hibiscus, query stereotypes, re-evaluate identities, and honour African traditions. Her two prose offerings, Half of a Yellow Sun and Americanah, as well as Dream Count, the new one in the works, confirm her deep interests in the values that make Africa and its traditions and cultures unique and relevant in a fast-evolving world. Her books also accentuate feminism, heritage, and authenticity.
Globacom’s continued collaboration with African Voices has further given credence to the programme’s celebration of the African essence, its excellence, talents, creativity, and originality.
Broadcasting
MultiChoice Starts Reorganising Operations to Enable Canal Plus Takeover

MultiChoice’s plans to reorganise its operations in preparation for its deal with French media giant Canal+ have become unconditional.
According to Multichoice, the implementation of the various steps of the process will now start.
“As previously advised, the reorganisation is to be undertaken in order to enable the implementation of Canal+’s Mandatory Offer for Multichoice, and forms part of the conditions imposed by the South African Competition Tribunal when approving the Mandatory Offer,” it said.
The mandatory offer is Canal+’s move to acquire all the issued ordinary shares of MCG not already owned by the group, excluding treasury shares, from MCG shareholders for a consideration of R125.00 per share, payable in cash.
The South African Competition Tribunal approved the proposed transaction, subject to agreed conditions, in July 2025.
As the parties previously disclosed, the agreed conditions include a robust package of guaranteed public interest commitments.
The package supports the participation of firms controlled by Historically Disadvantaged Persons (HDPs) and Small, Micro and Medium Enterprises in the audio-visual industry in South Africa.
This package will also maintain funding for local South African general entertainment and sports content.
The reorganisation process will see Multichoice adopt a takeover structure, which will ensure it meets the requirements of all applicable laws, such as restrictions on foreign ownership and control of South African broadcasting licences.
The structure includes Multichoice (Pty) Ltd (previously referred to as ‘LicenceCo’), which contracts with South African subscribers, being carved out of the Multichoice Group and becoming independent.
The Multichoice/Canal+ group would own 49% of this company, with 20% voting rights, aligning with regulatory restrictions on foreign control of licences.
The rest of the control of LicenceCo will be held by various groups, including Phuthuma Nathi Investments Limited, 13th Ave Investments Proprietary Limited, Identity Partners Itai Consortium Proprietary Limited (IPIC) and the Multichoice Workers Trust.
These groups entered into several transaction agreements on 1 August to achieve this.
Under the agreements, the groups will subscribe to various classes of shares in LicenceCo, giving different economic and voting interests.
The group said that an updated timetable for the offer will be published once the implementation of the reorganisation has been concluded.
Broadcasting
MultiChoice Nigeria Joins NECLive 2025 as Official Sponsor to Propel Africa’s Creative Enterprise

MultiChoice Nigeria has confirmed its participation as an official sponsor of NECLive 2025, the premier conference dedicated to advancing Africa’s creative enterprise. The event is set to take place on Friday, November 28, 2025, at the Landmark Centre in Lagos.
As a leading entertainment company behind platforms such as DStv, GOtv, Showmax, and Africa Magic, MultiChoice Nigeria’s involvement strengthens NECLive’s position as a major industry gathering where visionary creatives and industry leaders converge. The partnership supports the 2025 conference theme, “Powering Africa Through Creative Enterprise,” reflecting MultiChoice’s dedication to showcasing authentic African stories and fostering sustainable growth within the continent’s creative and entertainment sectors.
John Ugbe, CEO of West Africa, MultiChoice, emphasized the company’s commitment to enriching the lives of professionals in Africa’s creative industries and expressed excitement about deepening relationships with stakeholders across West Africa and beyond.
Ayeni Adekunle, NECLive Convener, highlighted the significance of MultiChoice’s sponsorship, noting that their platforms have been instrumental in demonstrating the economic impact of creative enterprise in Africa. This collaboration will enhance networking opportunities and provide creatives unprecedented access to insights from MultiChoice Nigeria’s leadership.
NECLive 2025 is expected to reach over 10 million viewers globally through various platforms including DStv and GOtv. The event, organized by Netng, BHM, and ID Africa with Huce Valeris as production partner, will be hosted by popular media personalities Tee A and Bolanle Olukanni. Since its inception in 2013, NECLive has engaged over 100,000 participants, 500+ industry leaders, and more than 100 million viewers, solidifying its role as Africa’s foremost creative and entertainment industry platform .
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