Group to FCCPC: save consumers from Multi-Choice oppression

Groups under the aegis of coalition of Nigeria Consumers have called on the Federal Competition and Consumer Commission (FCCPC) to save consumers from another oppressive private monopoly by multi-choice Nigeria Limited on  DSTV and GOTV.

According to the group, the petition is anchored on power of abuse of dominance as provided for in the new law of FCCPC and consumer protection Act 2018 signed into law by PMB in february 2019.

According to the statement, there has been court injunctions against similar increment, which was not obeyed.

The group said: “We hope that the Commission under law and new identity will have the courage to save the Nigeria consumers from another oppressive private monopoly.

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“Multi-Choice would by this announcement be increasing its rate for the third time in the last five years.  First in 2015, another in 2018 and now 2020. This is inspite of repeated outcries by Nigerians and court injunctions restraining multi- Choice from increasing their rate on those previous occasions which were blatantly disobeyed.

“Our Client and many other concerned Nigerians are particularly worried at the insensitive nature of Multi-choice Nigeria Limited who despite the global economic downturn and the prevailing CORONA VIRUS crsis seem impervious to the sensitivity of its customers.

“Again, many local Tv Channels which ought to be free are paid for by Nigeria Consumers as oppose to the practice of enjoying free local Tv Channels in other parts of the world.

“Muti-Choice DSTV, GOTV Nigeria charges an excessive price to the detriment of consumers, refusal to give a competitor access to an essential facility when it is economically feasible to do so.

“They also engage in an exclusionary act if the anti-competitive effect of that act outweighs its technological efficiency and other pro-competitive gains. Inducing a supplier or customer not to deal with a competitor

“The national lockdown and government ‘Sit at home’ order has directly increased the patronage for the product and services of the providers DStv and GOtv without commensurate increase in contents particularly in view of the suspension of world major sporting live events and TV drama series Act, and yet Consumers are left with no other option not only to pay but with imminent increase.”