By Adedapo Adesanya

Justice James Omotosho of a Federal High Court in Abuja has said the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) cannot determine what MultiChoice Nigeria can charge its customers for subscribing to DStv and GOtv, the pay-TV services of MultiChoice.

However, he dismissed a suit filed by MultiChoice Nigeria, challenging the FCCPC’s intervention in its subscription price hike, saying it is an abuse of court process due to similar pending proceedings elsewhere.

The judge clarified that while the FCCPC has investigative powers under its Act, it lacks authority to fix or suspend prices without presidential delegation via a gazetted instrument.

“The power to fix prices is exclusively that of the President. Any decision taken without such delegation is a nullity,” he stated, stressing that Nigeria runs a free-market system, where providers like MultiChoice can set prices, and consumers can choose to accept or reject them.

Justice Omotosho found FCCPC’s directive to suspend MultiChoice’s price increase breached the company’s right to a fair hearing and appeared discriminatory, rejecting the agency’s claim of MultiChoice’s market dominance as untenable.

“The use of services like those provided by the plaintiff is discretionary and not essential. Nigeria can do without it,” he added, warning that regulatory price controls could deter investors and harm the economy.

MultiChoice raised subscription rates by up to 25 per cent on March 1, 2025, citing inflation and operational costs.

The FCCPC opposed the hike, demanding a review and threatening sanctions, which led to the lawsuit.

Last month, while arguing its case, MultiChoice, through its lead counsel, Mr Moyosore Onigbanjo (SAN), 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.”

In a world where rising living costs are squeezing African households, one South Africa mother based in Durban has transformed her personal frugality into a powerful force for community upliftment. Meet Ncumisa Ndelu, a 48-year-old whose determination to stretch her family budget ignited 1 Family, 1 Stockpile, a thriving Facebook community now connecting over 800,000 members. 

What began as shared savvy shopping tips among friends has blossomed into a nationwide financial empowerment network. This effort is enabling women across South Africa and Nigeria to save significantly, launch their own ventures, and cultivate financially resilient futures.

The start of a community

Driven by a desire to help African women navigate economic pressures, former journalist and communications professional Ncumisa Ndelu launched 1 Family, 1 Stockpile in 2016. Her initial concept was simple: to share effective shopping hacks, budgeting strategies, and the benefits of strategic stockpiling.

The group rapidly became a trusted “sisterhood,” fostering financial literacy and providing robust community support. Today, it stands as a vital platform where women exchange savings techniques, share valuable deals and discounts, celebrate their financial achievements, and encourage each other towards better money management – all grounded in empowerment, education, and shared experiences.

A game-changer in her journey

A significant turning point in Ncumisa’s journey was discovering Temu, a global e-commerce platform that unlocked unprecedented savings for her household. Ironically, her introduction to the app began with a cautionary post about international deliveries. Intrigued, she decided to try it herself, ordering security lights following a home break-in.

“Once I received my first delivery, I was hooked,” she recalls. “I placed my second order less than two weeks later.”

From everyday household essentials to art supplies, school materials, and beauty products, this direct-from-factory marketplace became her key to unlocking savings. One purchase alone yielded savings of over R5,000, propelling her towards a research-driven approach to online shopping.

According to a recent survey, 46% of South African respondents report saving more than half of their shopping budget by using Temu, with nearly 40% making purchases on the platform at least once a month.

Stretching Rands, growing futures

Ncumisa has turned everyday budgeting into a powerful tool for growth, both at home and in her community. By making smarter, more affordable purchases, she’s been able to invest in her children’s education, fuel their creative passions with art supplies, and support her long-standing mission to feed the homeless. Crucially, this approach has fostered financial literacy in her children, evolving from simple piggy banks to daily lessons in budgeting, comparative shopping, and mindful spending.

This spirit of empowerment extends into her online community. Starting with just 50 members, it has surged into a nationwide network of over 800,000 women who share practical savings advice,  celebrate milestones like paying off debt or buying a first home, and offering each other unwavering support. “The group thrives on trust,” Ncumisa explains. “When we share what’s helped us, it empowers someone else to thrive.”

Ncumisa shares her top 5 budgeting tips:

1. Establish a proactive household budget: Create a standing budget well before payday, viewing it as a dynamic document that evolves with your family’s needs.

2. Involve children in the budgeting process: Cultivate financial literacy early by having your children participate. “In my household, the kids “pitch” for what they want the budget to be spent on, learning valuable negotiation and prioritisation skills.”

3. Prioritise essential deductions: Aim to let your salary remain untouched on payday. Allow debit orders for crucial expenses to run first, then manage the remaining funds for utilities and other needs.

4. Active saving and investing: Your budget should always include dedicated line items for savings, whether for short-term goals, long-term, or significant purchases. Similarly, make a point to allocate funds for investments, ensuring your money works for you.

5. Seek out sales and rewards yourself: Consciously try to avoid paying full price by actively looking for sales and discounts. “This is where platforms like Temu have really helped me. Budget for those personal rewards, whether it’s a small treat or a bigger experience like travel. Recognising your hard work is a vital part of a sustainable budget!”

From budget tips to national recognition

Ncumisa’s  journey from sharing simple saving tips to being recognised as Daily Maverick’s 2023 Businessperson of the Year is a testament to the power of purpose-driven leadership. Her remarkable ability to connect personal financial choices with broader community upliftment has ignited a powerful wave of economic empowerment, particularly among women. 

This growing community has empowered thousands of women to take control of their finances, helping them become more secure, break free from debt, and feel confident in managing their money day-to-day. This is about more than just saving a few rands; it’s about building a future where women don’t just survive, they thrive.

Ncumisa is leading that charge, using her own experience to show what’s possible with determination and the right tools. Through her example, she’s not only creating lasting wealth for her family but also passing down essential financial skills to the next generation – proving that true empowerment begins at home.

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

A partnership has been entered into between Airtel Africa Plc and SpaceX to make high-speed internet services accessible to customers in the region through Starlink.

With this collaboration, Airtel Africa will further enhance its next-generation satellite connectivity offerings and augment connectivity for enterprises, businesses, and socio-economic communities like schools, health centres in even the most rural parts of Africa. Airtel Africa will also explore rural coverage expansion through cellular backhauling.

“We remain deeply committed to our vision to enrich the lives of people of Africa. This partnership with SpaceX is a significant step to demonstrate our continued commitment to advancing Africa’s digital economy through strategic investments and partnerships.

“Next-generation satellite connectivity will ensure that every individual, business, and community have reliable and affordable voice and data connectivity even in the most remote and currently under-served parts of Africa,” the chief executive of Airtel Africa, Mr Sunil Taldar, said.

Also commenting, the Vice President of Starlink Business Operations at SpaceX. Chad Gibbs, said, “We are very excited to work with Airtel to bring the transformative benefits of Starlink to the African people in new and innovative ways.

“Starlink is available in more than 20 African markets and this agreement with Airtel highlights how, once licensed, Starlink welcomes the opportunity to join forces with important industry leaders to ensure as many people as possible can benefit from Starlink’s presence.

“The team at Airtel has played a pivotal role in Africa’s telecom story, so working with them to complement our direct offering across Africa makes great sense for our business.”

SpaceX has acquired requisite licenses in nine out of 14 countries within Airtel Africa’s footprint. Operating licenses for the other five countries are under process.

Airtel Africa and SpaceX say they will continue to explore other areas to promote digital inclusion in the continent as well as SpaceX’s ability to utilize and benefit from Airtel’s ground network infrastructure and other capabilities in Africa.