Business
DStv Subscription: Court dismisses MultiChoice suit against FCCPC
The Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a suit filed by MultiChoice Nigeria, the parent company of DStv and GOtv, challenging the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission’s (FCCPC) intervention following a recent hike in subscription cost.
In the judgment, Justice James Omotoso ruled that the suit constituted an abuse of court process as similar proceedings were already pending elsewhere.
The judge stressed that MultiChoice should have pursued its arguments in that court. He said if that was done it would have rendered the suit at the Federal High Court procedurally inappropriate.
Justice Omotoso noted that while the Commission has investigative powers under its establishing Act, it, however, lacks the authority to fix or suspend prices unless as delegated by the President through a gazetted instrument. No such delegation was presented to the court.
“The power to fix prices is exclusively that of the President. Any decision taken without such delegation is a nullity,” the judge stated.
He added that because Nigeria operates a free market system, service providers like MultiChoice have the right to set their prices, with consumers free to accept or reject them.
The judge further ruled that FCCPC’s actions, including directing MultiChoice to suspend its price increase, is in breach of the company’s right to fair hearing and appeared selectively targeted.
He dismissed the FCCPC’s claim that MultiChoice held a dominant market position, calling the argument untenable.
“The use of services like those provided by the plaintiff is discretionary and not essential. Nigeria can do without it,” Justice Omotosho added.
The judge thereby warned that attempts to fix prices by regulatory bodies could scare off potential investors and harm the economy.
The court held that while the FCCPC may investigate market practices, it cannot impose price controls without proper legal backing.
MultiChoice had increased subscription rates by up to 25% on March 1, 2025, citing inflation and the attendant rose in operational cost.
Following public outcry, the FCCPC opposed the move, calling for regulatory review and threatening sanctions, prompting the lawsuit.
Business
Illicit Financial Flows Draining National Resources – Adedeji
He emphasized the need to strengthen Nigeria’s domestic resource mobilisation to safeguard national wealth.
•Chairman of FIRS, Zacch Adedeji
On July 22, 2025, the Executive Chairman of FIRS, Zacch Adedeji, delivered the welcome address at the National Conference on Illicit Financial Flows in Abuja.
He emphasizied the need to strengthen Nigeria’s domestic resource mobilisation to safeguard national wealth.
He cited the recent tax reforms as a major step forward and highlighted the following as key points in his welcome address:
* Illicit Financial Flows through tax evasion, profit shifting and money laundering are draining national resources and threatening fiscal stability.
- The recent signing of four tax reform bills marks a critical step toward transparency, system overhaul, and stronger institutions.
- FIRS is responding with a multi-dimensional strategy: promoting voluntary compliance, embracing digital intelligence and enhancing enforcement under the Proceeds of Crime Act.
- * A need for unified, data-driven, and globally coordinated action to close fiscal gaps and protect Nigeria’s economic future.
Business
Just in: CBN Retains July Interest Rate at 27.5% , Says 8 banks meet recapitalisation target
The Governor of CBN, Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, disclosed this at the MPC briefing in Abuja this afternoon.
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has maintained the July Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) of 27.5 percent with all policy parameters.
The Governor of CBN, Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, disclosed this at the MPC briefing in Abuja this afternoon.
Mr Cardoso explained that the asymmetric corridor was retained at +500/-100 basis points around the MPR, leaving the Cash Reserve Ratio at 50 per cent for Deposit Money Banks and a general Liquidity Ratio of 30 percent.
He said that the decision to maintain the current MPR was premised on the need to continue to ensure the ongoing inflation reduction while vigorously ensuring declining prices.
The CBN boss revealed that as of July 18, the nation’s foreign reserve stood at 40.1 billion, which could provide import cover of nine and a half months.
He also disclosed that eight banks had achieved the new recapitalisation requirements.
The governor said the monetary and fiscal authorities would continue to work together to reduce the nation’s inflation rate to a single digit.
Business
NCS Replacing 4% import charges with 1% CISS import levy
Adeniyi explained that the one percent CISS levy has been in place for several years and has been instrumental in facilitating trade and generating revenue for the government.
The Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) has announced that it will be replacing the proposed 4 percent import levy with the existing 1 percent Comprehensive Import Supervision Scheme (CISS) levy.
The Comptroller -General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, made the revelation at an engagement held in Lagos to sensitize stakeholders in the B’Odogwu platform.
The CGC who is also the Chairperson of the World Customs Organization (WCO) explained that, though the introduction of the 4 percent FOB had been enshrined in the constitution.
He noted that the decision to reintroduce the levy was made after careful consideration and consultation with relevant stakeholders.
Adeniyi explained that the one percent CISS levy has been in place for several years and has been instrumental in facilitating trade and generating revenue for the government.
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