A Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal (CCPT) in Abuja has ruled that Multi-choice Nigeria Limited cannot raise its rates and costs for products and services beginning May 1.
The three-member panel, presided over by Saratu Shafii, issued the interim decision on Monday in response to an ex parte request filed by Ejiro Awaritoma, counsel for the applicant Festus Onifade.
In a verdict, the tribunal barred multi-choice from implementing the anticipated price rise schedule, which is set to take effect on May 1, pending the hearing and conclusion of the motion on notice brought before it.
She also instructed that all parties in the action come before the tribunal on May 7 at 10 a.m. for the hearing and decision on the notice motion.
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The petitioner brought Multi-choice Nigeria Ltd and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) before the tribunal.
Onifade, a legal practitioner, requested two orders in the lawsuit filed on April 29.
These include, “an order of interim injunction of this honourable tribunal restraining the first defendant, whether by themselves, her privies, or assigns by whatever name called, from proceeding with the impending price increase schedule to take effect on May 1, 2024, pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.”
“An order restraining the 1st defendant from taking any step(s) that may negatively affect the rights of the claimant and other consumers in respect of the suit pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.”
