Brands/Products
Court to Decide MultiChoice, FCCPC Price Hike Suit May 8
By Adedapo Adesanya
Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed May 8 for judgment in the suit filed by MultiChoice Nigeria Limited against the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC).
Justice Omotosho fixed the date after lawyers representing the parties adopted and argued their written addresses for and against the case.
The court had earlier restrained the commission from taking “any administrative steps” against the plaintiff following an increase in the service price of two of its brands; DStv and GOtv.
The restraining order was a sequel to a formal request by MultiChoice seeking the court’s protection from planned sanction from the FCCPC, over the increase in the price of DStv and GOtv.
At the proceeding, the court granted the commission’s request for an extension of time to regularise its processes and also allowed the plaintiff to withdraw its application for interlocutory injunction which has been overtaken by event.
Arguing its case, MultiChoice through its lead counsel, Mr Moyosore Onigbanjo submitted that the bone of contention is “whether the defendant have the right to control the price at which the plaintiff offers its services to the public.”
He argued that the Act establishing the FCCPC did not confer on it the powers to regulate price or prevent anyone including the plaintiff from increasing its prices.
Also, the lawyer stated that the issue of whether the defendant can regulate price has been litigated before between the two parties, adding that the tribunal had held that the commission has no powers to regulate prices of goods and services in the country, except the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The Plaintiff’s lawyer also submitted that even the president who is clothed with the powers to regulate prices has maintained “that his government does not believe in price control” but, that prices are determined by market forces of demands and supplies.
The plaintiff in addition submitted that if the FCCPC has no powers to control price “where does he have the powers to prevent the plaintiff from increasing price.
MultiChoice subsequently accused the Commission of discrimination, stating that all businesses in the country have been increasing their prices in line with economic conditions and inflation without the Commission raising an eyebrow, save with the plaintiff.
He, therefore, urged the court to grant all the reliefs sought in the suit.
While adopting his counter affidavit in opposition to the suit, lead counsel for the defendant, Mr Joe Agbugu, urged the court to first address the cause of action; which is the the issue of increase in the price of DStv and GOtv.
Mr Agbugu disclosed that the Commission on February 25, wrote the plaintiff after it announced price increase effective from March 1, 2025.
According to the senior lawyer, MultiChoice was summoned to appear before the commission on February 27, “they wrote that it was not convenient and proposed March 6. We then said that in the interim they should hold on with the price increment.”
Mr Agbugu further stated that, “there was no issue of price regulation or fixing as at the time the action commenced.”
Besides, he claimed that the statute establishing the FCCPC, gave it “powers to check exorbitant pricing” and also powers to “regulate abuse of dominant position in the market” as it relates to prices and passing of cost to the consumer.
“The plaintiff occupies a dominant position in the television and entertainment,” Mr Agbugu claimed, adding that the case before the court is not of price regulation but the powers of the Commission to investigate prices that are deemed exploitative and abuse of dominant position.
“The Commission is not to tell you to use price A or B but to determine that the price is exploitative” he said, “they ran away to be investigated over their planned action.
“Our action is not about price fixing; the issue is about whether the price is exorbitant…the mandate of the Commission is to protect the consumer.”
Reacting to the claim of discrimination, defendant’s lawyer, submitted that, “abuse of dominant position qualified them to be singled out for exorbitant pricing.”
Mr Agbugu subsequently urged the court to strike out the suit and dismiss it because it attacks the major task of the Commission of protecting consumers.
“The suit should be dismissed and the plaintiff returned to us for investigation,” he added.
Responding, Justice Omotosho announced that, “judgment is reserved to May 8.”
By Adedapo Adesanya
A local Nigerian food vendor, Amoke Oge, has recorded orders worth N2.3 billion in 500,000 deliveries on Chowdeck, one of the country’s leading food delivery platforms.
The milestone marks a major achievement for both the vendor and the platform, reflecting the growing role of digital marketplaces in Nigeria’s food service sector.
The figure is based on an average order value of N4,600, as reported by Chowdeck in a video shared on its official X (formerly Twitter) account.
Chowdeck stated that Amoke Oge, which specialises in local delicacies, owned by Hajia Amoke Odukoya, was among the first 100 vendors to join the platform in 2023.
“Amoke Oge just became the first woman-led business to hit 500,000 deliveries on Chowdeck — with an average order value of N4,600. We’ll let you do the math. To mark the milestone, our CEO Femi Aluko (@femi_aluks) showed up in person to congratulate her,” the company wrote to accompany the video.
From the calculations, this indicated that the food seller has completed orders valued at N2.3 billion.
Chowdeck, which currently operates in eight Nigerian states, serves over 3,000 vendors and works with more than 10,000 delivery riders.
Earlier in 2024, the company secured $2.5 million in seed funding to support its operations and expansion.
Notable investors include Y Combinator, Goodwater Capital, FounderX Ventures, Hoaq Fund, and influential figures such as Rappi co-founders Mr Simon Borrero and Mr Juan Pablo Ortega, and Paystack co-founders, Mr Shola Akinlade and Mr Ezra Olubi.
Chowdeck is so far one of the biggest success stories in Nigerian startups— a testament to resilience amid global headwinds, particularly as it is estimated that Nigerians spend approximately 60 per cent of their earnings on food.
Amoke Oge’s milestone is not a standalone achievement for Chowdeck, as it earlier this month, precisely on May 13, revealed that Korede Spaghetti, a vendor operating in the heart of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) in Yaba, had sold N1 billion worth of food items processed on the platform.
DStv Media Sales, in collaboration with the Media Independent Practitioners Association of Nigeria (MIPAN), hosted the 9th edition of their annual industry conference on Thursday, May 9, 2025, in Lagos. Themed “Optimize,” the conference brought together a dynamic cross-section of stakeholders in the marketing communications industry to explore the power and future of media optimisation in an evolving digital landscape.
The event offered a comprehensive look into the DStv ecosystem, featuring thought leaders, regulators, and agency executives who shared practical insights on how brands can unlock more value through strategic planning, data-driven decisions, and integrated consumer engagement.
In her opening remarks, Doris Ohanugo, Executive Head, DStv Media Sales Nigeria, emphasised the urgency of embracing optimisation in today’s fast-paced environment.
“In an era defined by constant evolution, optimisation is no longer a luxury; it is a necessity,” she stated. “It’s about moving faster with clarity and creating deeper connections in a crowded landscape.”
Delivering the keynote address, Kholeka Maringa, Head of DStv Media Sales, Africa, reinforced the company’s commitment to content-led engagement. She also provided valuable data-driven insights into audience behaviour, using the 11th edition of the AMVCA as a case study. According to Maringa, the event reaches 3.3 million viewers in Nigeria and 6.7 million outside Nigeria via linear platforms, while non-linear platforms record upwards of 250,000 digital viewers, 10 million views on video demand, and 2.3 million social impressions. The event also saw 10,000 attendees from the press conference to the final show, with a total of 1.8 million votes cast.
“Our goal is to maximise reach and enhance viewer engagement by consistently delivering content that encourages interaction and participation,” she said.
Also speaking at the event was Adeyinka Adebayo, Group Executive Director, OMG Central and West Africa, representing the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON). Adebayo discussed driving growth in media investment and provided insights into the recent ARCON regulations. He emphasised the agency’s role as an enabler, not a barrier, highlighting the importance of collaboration between media owners, agencies, and advertisers to drive success.
He further urged industry stakeholders to “act local and think global,” stressing that media investment should not only be viewed as expenditure but as a capital investment with long-term value.
“The purpose of ARCON is to regulate, not strangulate. Media owners, agencies, and advertisers must work collaboratively; we all need each other,” he concluded.
On the topic of “Impact and Reach in Media,” Nosipho Gama, Executive Head, Business Enablement at DStv Media Sales, shared insights on emerging media technologies and evolving audience behaviours.
“Platforms will continue to expand their offerings and reach by incorporating new technologies. The future of television isn’t about one platform outshining another; it’s about creating seamless, viewer-centred experiences,” she said.
Closing the event, Dozie Okafor, President of MIPAN, delivered a strong call for value-driven media investment strategies.
“Media optimisation is about more than just spending; it’s about spending smart. As an industry, we must prioritise optimised investments that deliver measurable results,” he concluded.
The 9th DStv-MIPAN conference proved to be more than just a knowledge-sharing session. It served as a strategic touchpoint for industry players to reflect, recalibrate, and align on the direction of media in Nigeria. From shifting consumer behaviours to the demand for smarter spending, the conversations reinforced a collective industry goal, to build a more agile, collaborative, and results-oriented media landscape in Nigeria.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
A new feature has been introduced by Airtel Nigeria to its My Airtel App in a bid to make the purchasing of items seamless.
The new feature, eShop, allows customers to enjoy a full retail experience directly within the existing subscriber app—beyond simply buying airtime or data.
The eShop feature offers a wide selection of products ranging from Airtel-branded items such as Home Broadband (HBB) devices and everyday retail items such as electronics, home appliances, fashion, and beauty products.
The update enhances the app’s functionality by allowing customers to access the eShop directly from the home screen, eliminating the need for external redirection to web browsers or third-party platforms.
The Director of Marketing at Airtel Nigeria, Mr Ismail Adeshina, while commenting on the new feature, emphasized the brand’s ongoing focus on innovation and customer-centricity.
“At Airtel, we understand that today’s customers value convenience above all else. This update is part of our broader mission to simplify digital experiences and make everyday transactions easier and faster.
“By integrating the eShop directly into the My Airtel App, we’re eliminating unnecessary steps and giving users the freedom to do more within a single platform,” he said.
“We’re moving beyond basic connectivity towards building a digital ecosystem that supports the lifestyle needs of our customers. Whether it’s purchasing a device, recharging, or shopping for everyday items, we’re putting more power and choice in the hands of our users,” he added.
The My Airtel App continues to serve as a key platform for Airtel subscribers, offering self-service options, quick access to bundles, account management tools, and now, a more robust digital shopping channel.
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