The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has hailed two landmark court judgments against Multichoice Nigeria Limited and Peace Mass Transit, describing them as milestones that strengthen Nigeria’s consumer protection regime and deepen public confidence in the justice system.
The FCCPC says the rulings demonstrate the potency of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA), 2018, which empowers consumers to seek redress and obliges service providers to uphold lawful standards of fair and quality service delivery.
Mr. Tunji Bello, Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the FCCPC, says the judgments are “fair and progressive outcomes” that reinforce consumer confidence, regulatory accountability, and the rule of law in Nigeria’s marketplace.
In one of the rulings, the Lagos High Court ordered Multichoice Nigeria Limited to pay ₦5 million in damages to a DStv subscriber, Mr. Ben Onuora, for wrongful disconnection despite verified payment.
“The judgments show the strength of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA), 2018, which empowers consumers to seek redress and requires service providers to meet lawful standards of fair service delivery,” Bello says.
He commends the affected consumers for pursuing justice through the courts rather than resorting to self-help, saying the outcomes highlight judicial support for the Commission’s mandate.
“The law provides several ways for consumers to express their grievances, and these decisions confirm the courts’ willingness to protect consumer rights,” he adds.
FCCPC: Court upholds consumer victory against Multichoice
In one of the rulings, the Lagos High Court ordered Multichoice Nigeria Limited to pay ₦5 million in damages to a DStv subscriber, Mr. Ben Onuora, for wrongful disconnection despite verified payment.
Presided over by Justice R. O. Olukolu, the court also directed the immediate reconnection of the subscriber and mandated an extension to cover the period of unlawful disconnection.
Citing Sections 130, 136, and 142–145 of the FCCPA 2018, Justice Olukolu held that service providers are legally bound to ensure uninterrupted delivery once payment is confirmed, adding that failure to do so constitutes a breach of consumer rights.
Peace Mass Transit’s “No Refund” policy declared illegal
In a separate ruling, the Enugu High Court declared the “no refund after payment” policy of Peace Mass Transit unlawful and void under the FCCPA 2018.
Justice C. O. Ajah ruled that the policy violates Sections 120, 104, and 129(1) of the Act and ordered the transport company to pay ₦500,000 in damages to Mr. Tochukwu Odo, a passenger whose fare was withheld after an uncompleted trip.
The court held that service providers are obligated to refund consumers for services not rendered and that any attempt to deny refunds breaches statutory consumer rights.
Consumer protection milestones
The FCCPC says both rulings mark a turning point in the enforcement of Nigeria’s consumer protection law, as they reaffirm the judiciary’s role in ensuring fairness, transparency, and accountability in service delivery.
Between March and August 2025, the Commission says it has facilitated recoveries exceeding ₦10 billion for consumers across 30 sectors, reflecting the growing confidence of Nigerians in its regulatory oversight.
Mr. Bello says that consistent judicial support complements the FCCPC’s regulatory work and reinforces the message that violations of consumer rights attract real and enforceable consequences.
“These decisions are not just victories for individual consumers—they are victories for Nigeria’s entire consumer protection framework. They demonstrate that our laws work, that justice is accessible, and that businesses must comply with the standards set out under the FCCPA,” Bello notes.
Established under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act, 2018, the FCCPC is Nigeria’s lead agency for consumer protection and competition regulation. Its mandate is to promote fair competition, safeguard consumer rights, and ensure that businesses operate in ways that foster confidence and accountability across the marketplace.
The Commission reiterates that it will continue working with the judiciary, industry stakeholders, and the public to ensure that the provisions of the FCCPA are fully enforced and that consumers across Nigeria enjoy the protection guaranteed under the law.
“We encourage consumers to continue asserting their rights through lawful means. The FCCPC remains committed to ensuring that every Nigerian consumer can engage in the marketplace with confidence, fairness, and dignity,” Bello says.
With these rulings, industry observers say Nigerian consumers are witnessing a new era of accountability where corporate malpractice and unfair trade practices face increasing legal and financial consequences.
Home
