The Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed May 8, 2025, for judgment on applications filed by MultiChoice Nigeria Limited and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) concerning the former’s DStv and GOtv price increases in Nigeria.

Justice James Omotosho set the judgment date after hearing arguments from the legal teams of both parties.

Nairametrics previously reported that Omotosho had issued an order restraining the FCCPC from taking “any administrative steps” against MultiChoice Nigeria Limited following its announced price increases for DStv and GOtv.

This order was granted in an ex parte motion filed by MultiChoice’s lawyer, Moyosore J. Onibanjo (SAN), against the FCCPC, under case number FHC/ABJ/CS/379/2025. 

The FCCPC had earlier summoned MultiChoice Nigeria to explain the rationale behind the price adjustments.

The Commission directed the company’s Chief Executive Officer to attend an investigative hearing on February 27, 2025, expressing concerns over frequent price hikes, potential abuse of market dominance, and anti-competitive practices within the pay-TV industry.

The FCCPC also warned that failure to justify the price increases or adhere to fair market principles could result in regulatory sanctions.

On his part, MultiChoice’s legal team, led by Onibanjo,  filed an ex parte motion seeking an interim injunction to prevent the FCCPC and its officers from prosecuting MultiChoice based on the letter dated March 3, 2025, pending the resolution of the interlocutory injunction motion.

They also sought an order restraining the FCCPC, its agents, servants, or representatives from sanctioning or penalizing MultiChoice concerning its price increases until the interlocutory injunction motion is determined.

Onibanjo argued that Nigeria operates a free-market economy where the prices of goods and services are not regulated.

He contended that the FCCPC Act and other relevant laws do not empower the Commission to regulate prices or require businesses to obtain approval before adjusting their service costs.

What transpired in court  

• During the resumed hearing, FCCPC’s counsel, Prof. Joe Agbugu SAN, explained that MultiChoice had notified the Commission on February 25 about a contemplated price increase effective from March 1, thereby acknowledging the FCCPC’s supervisory role.
• He stated that the FCCPC invited MultiChoice for further investigation, but the company requested to reschedule the meeting from February 27 to March 6, 2025.
• He said the FCCPC agreed to the new date but instructed MultiChoice to temporarily hold off on implementing the price increase.
• Prof. Agbugu emphasized that there was no issue of price regulation or fixing at the time MultiChoice initiated the legal action.
• He asserted that the FCCPC is authorized by law to regulate abuses of dominant market positions, especially when such abuses affect Nigerian consumers.
• He argued that the FCCPC can set an “authorized price” against a dominant player in line with provisions in the FCCPC Act.
• He urged the court to dismiss MultiChoice’s case.
• In rebuttal, Onibanjo SAN described the FCCPC’s concerns about excessive pricing as an afterthought.
• He pointed out that the FCCPC’s letter focused on price increases, a matter he added the Commission lacked the authority to regulate.
• He reiterated that the power to regulate or fix prices can only be exercised with presidential approval, which the FCCPC would then enforce publicly.

He called on the court to uphold MultiChoice’s position against the FCCPC.  After hearing from both parties, Justice Omotosho reserved judgment, with a decision expected on May 8, 2025.

Background 

Recall that  MultiChoice had informed customers of a planned price increase for its DStv and GOtv packages, scheduled to take effect on March 1, 2025. The proposed adjustments included:

• DSTV Compact: Increase from N15,700 to N19,000 (a 25% rise). 
• DStv Compact Plus: Increase from N25,000 to N30,000 (20% hike). 
• DStv Premium: Increase from N37,000 to N44,500 (20% increment). 
• GOtv Supa Plus: Increase from N15,700 to N16,800, among other adjustments. 

These increases came less than a year after a previous hike in May 2024, which the company attributed to inflation and rising operational costs.

The planned increases elicited reactions from Nigerians, who expressed concerns over the lack of viable competition in the pay-TV market.

In response to the proposed increases, the FCCPC summoned MultiChoice Nigeria to explain the rationale behind the price adjustments and later filed a lawsuit against the company at a Lagos High Court, alleging violations of regulatory directives and obstruction of an ongoing inquiry.

[Nairametrics]

Africa’s economic landscape in 2025 is shaped by visionary leaders who have amassed significant wealth through diverse industries. Here are the top five richest billionaires making headlines:

1. Aliko Dangote – Net Worth: $28 Billion

Aliko Dangote, Nigeria’s industrial magnate, maintains his position as Africa’s richest individual. His conglomerate, Dangote Group, spans sectors such as cement, sugar, and flour. A monumental project, the Dangote Petroleum Refinery near Lagos, valued at $20 billion, is set to transform Nigeria’s oil industry by producing 650,000 barrels per day, exceeding the nation’s fuel needs by 150%.

2. Johann Rupert – Net Worth: $10.7 Billion

South African billionaire Johann Rupert chairs Compagnie Financière Richemont, renowned for luxury brands like Cartier and Montblanc. His strategic vision has solidified his status in the luxury goods sector.

3. Nicky Oppenheimer – Net Worth: $8.4 Billion

Nicky Oppenheimer, a prominent figure in the diamond industry, formerly held a 40% stake in De Beers, the world’s leading diamond producer. His influence in mining has left an indelible mark on the sector.

4. Abdulsamad Rabiu – Net Worth: $8.1 Billion

Nigerian industrialist Abdulsamad Rabiu leads BUA Group, a conglomerate with interests in cement production, sugar refining, and real estate. His business acumen has propelled him to the forefront of Africa’s manufacturing industry.

5. Prateek Suri – Net Worth: $1.4 Billion

Prateek Suri, founder of Maser Group and MDR Investments, has earned the moniker “Technology Tiger of Africa.” His ventures in consumer electronics and strategic investments in Africa’s mining and infrastructure sectors have been pivotal in the continent’s technological advancement. Notably, Suri owns luxury mansions in Lagos and a fleet of yachts and has recently invested in Teakwood and luxury yacht ventures in Africa. Under his Leadership, he made the biggest acquisition in Africa of $5bn, making him the richest Indian in Africa.

These individuals exemplify the dynamic and diverse nature of Africa’s economic landscape, each contributing uniquely to the continent’s growth and global presence.

 [Guardian]

The Ebonyi State House of Assembly has anonymously adopted a referendum for the creation of additional twelve (12) local government areas to the current thirteen (13) LGAs.

Lawmakers during plenary at the Assembly Complex in Abakaliki, argued that creating additional 12 LGAs in the state will bring government closer to the people to ameliorate their sufferings.

The proposed local government areas include Ikwo South and Ikwo North from Ikwo LGA, Ekumenyi from Abakaliki LGA, Ebyia from Izzi LGA and Ndiagbo from Edda LGA.

Lawmakers also proposed Ishielu South local government from Ishielu LGA, as well as Akaeze, Ukaba, and Effium from Ivo, Onicha and Ohaukwu LGAs respectfully.

Ezza-South, Ezza-North and Afikpo LGA are also envisaged to produce Izzikworo, Amohai and Imoha local government areas.

The referendum when becomes law, will bring LGAs in the state to 25 and expected to reduce the development and economic crisis of the people.

The measure also promises to bridge perceived imbalance in LGA distribution in consideration of the land mass and population density in each local government area.

The motion for the adoption of the request was moved by the Chief Whip of the House and member representing Edda West, Hon. Nkemka Okoro-Onuma and was seconded by member representing Ikwo North State Constituency, Hon Ifeanyi Nwakpu.

The Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Moses Odunwa put the motion to vote where it was unanimously adopted.

[Leadership]

The House of Representatives on Thursday reversed its decision on the second reading of a bill which sought to strip the vice-president, governors and deputy governors of immunity.

The lower legislative chamber made the u-turn after the Majority Leader of the House, Julius Ihonvbere, moved a motion.

The green chamber also rescinded its decision on the bill to abolish the death penalty.

Both bills passed second reading during plenary on Wednesday.

More to follow…

[DailyPost]

Death has snatched Abisola Kola-Daisi, wife of Kolapo Kola-Daisi and the eldest child of late Oyo Governor Senator Abiola Ajimobi unannounced.

Bisola succumbed to a brief illness while in the United Kingdom.

Abiola’s demise re-echoes the words of English poet and playwright, Williams Shakespeare, who described the world a stage and each person plays his part and leave.

With the exit of Abisola, a huge void is created in the heart of her mother — Florence Ajimobi. Like the biblical reference, to everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born and a time to die.

Her death comes five years after the death of her father in 2020.

Abisola was fondly called Abi-KD, and celebrated her birthday on March 12.

She is the founder of Florence H Luxury and the Chairman/CEO of Grandex Nigeria Limited.

Abisola was born March 12, 1981.

She attended the British School of Lomé, Togo where she learned to speak French fluently – before moving to the United States of America to obtain an AA Degree from Santa Monica College.

She later earned a bachelor’s degree in finance from California State University, and an MBA from the United Kingdom. In 2022, she completed a Master’s degree in the power and influence of positive influence at Harvard Business School.

After graduating from college in the United States, Abisola worked as a Senior Manager (Retail) at Victoria’s Secret before returning home to complete the National Youth Service Corps in Nigeria. In 2008, she joined Saje Shipping, a subsidiary of MRS Oil and Gas as the Senior Manager – Finance and Administration.

Abisola was a Special Adviser to Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu.

She has been married to Kolapo Kola-Daisi, son of a billionaire industrialist from Ibadan since 2010 and blessed with three lovely children.

After their engagement ceremony on the 5th of November 2010, Bisola and KP’s wedding took place on 6th of November 2010 in Ibadan, Nigeria.

It was a beautiful ceremony as the Islamic wedding rites were completed and Bisola and KP were joined as husband and wife in the presence of their family and friends

Abisola touched lives and impacted communities through her philanthropic deeds, and was active in various charitable causes.

She founded the AKD Foundation and the AKD Kids Foundation to care for orphans and homeless children in Nigeria. She is also a patron of the ABC Foundation, a charitable organisation founded by her mother, in Ibadan.

[Thenation]

Bisola Ajimobi Kola-Daisi, the eldest daughter of the late former governor of Oyo State, Abiola Ajimobi, has passed away at the age of 42.

She reportedly died in the early hours of Thursday, March 27, in the United Kingdom.

Until her demise, Bisola served as the Special Adviser to the Minister of Budget and Planning, Atiku Bagudu.

A former aide to the late governor, Bolaji Tunji, confirmed the news, saying, “Yes, it has been confirmed.”

Bisola, who was married to Kolapo Kola-Daisi, was known for her contributions to governance and public service.

Her death comes as another painful blow to the Ajimobi family, following the passing of her father in 2020.

[Punch]

Former Chief of Staff to ex-Governor Willie Obiano, Chief Primus Odili, has backed the endorsement of Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, for re-election by the Minister of Works, Chief Dave Umahi.

During the flag-off of the access road to the 2nd Niger Bridge at Ogbunike near Onitsha, Umahi commended Soludo’s development efforts, declaring that the governor faces no real opposition in the November 8, 2025, governorship election.

Describing Soludo’s achievements as remarkable, Umahi, a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), stated that if he were from Anambra State, he would support Soludo for another term.

Odili echoed Umahi’s sentiments, emphasizing that in just three years, Soludo has delivered impressive results that should earn him overwhelming support from Anambra voters.

“The endorsement from Umahi, whose tenure as Ebonyi State governor was transformational, carries significant weight,” Odili said.

“Governor Soludo has completed major projects without borrowing. If he is given another term, the chances of completing ongoing developments are even greater.”

He added that while opposition parties may struggle to acknowledge Soludo’s achievements, the results speak for themselves.

“The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) is not in a hurry to relinquish power in Anambra. Instead, we are strengthening our bond with the people through visible performance that no amount of rhetoric can discredit.

“Anambra residents know that the APGA-led government under Soludo is committed to building a safe, viable, and prosperous state. Umahi’s advice to the opposition should be taken seriously in the interest of the people.”

Odili also highlighted the impact of the Agunechemba security initiative, which has significantly reduced crime in the state, paving the way for development.

“With the decline in abductions, murder, and robbery, Soludo’s government now enjoys greater public support. The people appreciate his efforts to transform Anambra into a livable, smart megacity.

“Umahi’s words may be difficult for the opposition to accept, but they reflect reality. A simple drive around Anambra is enough to convince anyone that Soludo’s solutions are working and that the people have fully embraced his vision,” Odili concluded.

 [Vanguard]

Enough is Enough (EiE) Nigeria, a civil society organisation, says the legal, political, and democratic implications of “silencing elected voices” will be examined in the upcoming edition of ‘ThursdayTalks’.

ThursdayTalks is a monthly online discussion with thought leaders on issues affecting Nigerians and the country.

The conversation is an initiative of EiE in partnership with BudgIT and TheCable.

This edition, billed to hold on Thursday, March 27 is themed: ‘Suspended Voices, Silenced Mandates: What Next for Democracy?’

Stakeholders will explore the recent suspension of Siminalayi Fubara, governor of Rivers state; suspension of the legislature in Rivers, suspension of Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, senator representing Kogi central; and how such actions impact citizen trust, legislative independence, and accountability.

On March 18, President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers and suspended Fubara; Ngozi Odu, his deputy; and all members of the Rivers assembly, due to prolonged political crisis in the state.

In a statement, EIE said this month’s conversation will have Tolulope Adeleru-Balogun, NewsCentralTV programme director, as moderator; and Opeyemi Adamolekun, EIE’s executive director, as speaker.

Other speakers are Oluseun Onigbinde, global director at BudgIT; and Chidi Odinkalu, a human rights activist.

The online conversation will last from 5-7pm.

[TheCable]

The question is not where US President Donald Trump has not touched in less than 100 days in office. It is how the world is coping with the shock and devastation of his touch and the trail of chaos it is leaving behind.

Because of its vulnerabilities, Africa was never far from Trump’s reach. When the continent thought the looming mass deportation of immigrants and the scrapping of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) were among the worst measures in the early days of Trump’s second term, he unleashed a body blow that has left South Africa in a daze.

As of March 23, South Africa’s Ambassador to the US, Ebrahim Rasool, arrived back in Cape Town to tumultuous cheers from large crowds after he departed Washington. He was declared persona non grata by the Trump administration on March 14 for his comments at a webinar.

Rasool’s ‘sin’

Secretary of State Marco Rubio described Rasool’s criticisms of President Trump’s policies as “unacceptable”, adding that the ambassador harboured animosity towards the US president. Rubio said on X, where he also announced the expulsion, Rasool “hates America.”

The last time the US declared a foreign ambassador persona non grata was 17 years ago, under President George W. Bush. And even then, it retaliated against Bolivia after that country expelled the US ambassador for allegedly interfering in its “internal affairs.”

What was it that Rasool said? He told a webinar hosted by a South African think tank that Trump was “mobilising a supremacism” and also trying to “project white victimhood as a dog whistle” as a reaction to the demographic reality of a diminishing white population.

He said, “We see it in the domestic politics of the USA, the MAGA movement as a response not simply to a supremacist instinct, but to very clear data that shows great demographic shifts in the USA in which the voting electorate in the USA is projected to become 48 percent white.”

Inconvenient truth

That was the inconvenient truth. Could it have been said differently? Did Rasool walk into a trap, or was Rubio’s excuse a red herring? Apart from Somalia, no other African country has been targeted by the new US administration as much as South Africa. 

First, there was an executive order freezing US assistance to Pretoria for alleged “unjust racial discrimination” against white Afrikaans over the Expropriation Act, which seeks to redistribute land in the country, and then followed the stoppage of the USAID-funded HIV/AIDS programme that has put hundreds of lives at risk.

Rasool did what he had to. I won’t remove anything from his words. Relations between Pretoria and Washington were already testy, and the beads holding them had been broken from the waist by Trump’s chaotic dance steps. It was not a matter of if but which way the beads would fall.

Behind the story

The anti-Pretoria lobby in the US has had it for South Africa for a long time, especially following that country’s stand against Israel in the ongoing war on Gaza.

During my visit to Israel last December, the talk at the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs was that South Africa took a bribe of $2 billion from Iran to mount a case against the Benjamin Netanyahu government at the International Criminal Court (ICC), an allegation that diplomatic sources in Pretoria have denied.

Despite Trump’s expression of displeasure, South Africa said it would not withdraw its case of genocide against Israel, saying it is aware that “Standing by our principles sometimes has consequences.”

Silent Africa

Rasool’s eviction is another consequence of South Africa’s principled stand, and the country is taking it in its stride. My surprise is the loud silence over Trump’s decision across African capitals. The continent’s media have also treated the story like a footnote.

We’re not talking about the US evicting illegal immigrants or smashing drug gangs. We’re talking about an ambassador with a distinguished career in the foreign service who was first appointed to the US in 2010 under Barack Obama.

He served for five years and was reappointed because of his extensive US domestic politics experience and ability to navigate complex international relations.

Contrary to what Rubio would have the world believe, Rasool’s “cardinal sin” was championing the case against Israel at the ICC – a matter of principle for which the ambassador should have no regrets.

Either African governments and the AU are too shocked to offer a clear response, or the continent has accepted chaos as the inevitability of the Trump era.

Dangerous silence

Whatever it is, silence is a dangerous option. If Trump can evict the ambassador of one of Africa’s most consequential countries for expressing an inconvenient opinion, it is only a matter of time before the less endowed countries will be in the firing line.

An academic and diplomat who served in many conflict areas in Africa, Professor Babafemi Badejo, said, “South Africa has, of late, been leading many countries over Gaza-Palestine. About four-fifths of African countries are, at best, lukewarm on this issue.

“It’s not a surprise that African countries have been mute over the US Secretary of State’s action declaring the South African ambassador persona non grata.”

If South Africa’s primary offence is its position on the war in Gaza – a position shared by many African countries – why is the continent unable to rally against Rasool’s eviction? Why is the AU silent?

European example

 In 2018, three European countries – France, Germany and the UK – took a common stand against the US in response to Washington’s unilateral withdrawal from the comprehensive action plan to guarantee the nuclear agreement with Iran. They bypassed the dollar-trading system and set up their mechanism to trade with Tehran.

Why is Africa a spectator in its own case? “Fear of punishments and resignation to a life of minimal relevance, if at all, has been the stance of many African countries,” Badejo said. “How does a Lilliputian state begging for food aid for its people assert itself.”

Africa’s other reasons

There could be a less apparent reason Trump would get away with his diplomacy of bullying. Several African leaders would like to copy him. In West and Central Africa, for example, five countries – Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, Guinea and Chad – are under military rule.

Four of them have broken away from the regional group ECOWAS. Their leaders, who might have been in soup in a different, bygone world, would now consider themselves lucky beneficiaries of a chaotic global order. The last thing they would want to do is to challenge Trump.

Apart from the President of Cote d’Ivoire, Alassane Ouattara, whose supporters are already urging to continue for a fourth term against the constitutionally approved limit, the presidents of three other African countries are pressing for an extended term limit, the sort of thing Trump is already hinting at.

I didn’t expect the South African Development Community (SADC) or the AU to call an extraordinary meeting to discuss Rasool’s expulsion. But it’s a measure of how weak and resigned we have become that neither an officer of these organisations nor an African head of state can call out his eviction.

It’s Rasool today. Trump’s next victim is not far away.

_______________________

Multichoice apartheid pricing?

I’m usually not one to interfere with the markets, whatever the invincible foxes or forces want to do. But how can you ignore the nonsense that Multichoice has been up to lately? The pay-tv service provider has increased fees in Nigeria by 21 percent through the backdoor while cutting subscription fees in South Africa by 38 percent! Why? It said the cut in South Africa was a token to subscribers for the cost of living crisis. And in Nigeria? You know the old story – inflation, infrastructure, blah, blah. I wouldn’t mind if Multichoice had a competitor. But it’s nonsense for this monopoly to make most of its profits in this so-called high-risk environment and use it to subsidise subscribers elsewhere.

We had a name for it: apartheid!