The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has commended recent court rulings that upheld consumer rights by awarding damages against MultiChoice Nigeria Limited and Peace Mass Transit.
In a statement issued on Monday in Abuja, FCCPC’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Mr Ondaje Ijagwu, said the Commission also welcomed the Enugu High Court’s decision declaring Peace Mass Transit’s “no refund after payment” policy unlawful.
According to Ijagwu, the FCCPC’s Executive Vice Chairman, Mr Tunji Bello, praised the judiciary for ensuring fair outcomes that have reinforced consumer confidence and accountability in the marketplace.
Bello noted that the rulings demonstrate the strength of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018, which empowers consumers to seek redress and compels service providers to adhere to lawful standards of service delivery.
He lauded consumers who pursued justice through legal means rather than self-help, adding that judicial enforcement complements the Commission’s regulatory role and sends a strong message that violations of consumer rights carry consequences.
“These decisions confirm the courts’ willingness to protect consumer rights,” Bello said.
He further revealed that between March and August 2025, the Commission facilitated the recovery of over ₦10 billion for consumers across 30 sectors, highlighting the increasing effectiveness of Nigeria’s consumer protection framework.
Bello urged citizens to continue reporting unfair practices through the FCCPC complaint portal, email, or any of its offices nationwide.
Court Orders MultiChoice to Pay N5 Million Damages
The FCCPC disclosed that the Lagos High Court, presided over by Justice R.O. Olukolu, awarded ₦5 million in general damages to a DStv subscriber, Mr Ben Onuora, for the wrongful disconnection of his active subscription.
The Court held that MultiChoice unlawfully disconnected the service despite verified payment, causing inconvenience to the subscriber and his family. It ordered immediate reconnection and an extension of the subscription to cover the disconnected period.
The ruling was based on Sections 130, 136, and 142–145 of the FCCPA 2018, which safeguard consumers’ rights to quality service and hold suppliers liable for defective or interrupted delivery.
Peace Mass Transit’s “No Refund” Policy Declared Illegal
In a separate ruling, the Enugu High Court, led by Justice C.O. Ajah, ruled that Peace Mass Transit’s “no refund after payment” policy was illegal and void under Sections 120, 104, and 129(1) of the FCCPA 2018.
The transport company was ordered to pay ₦500,000 in damages to a passenger, Mr Tochukwu Odo, whose fare was withheld after a trip was not completed.
The Court ruled that service providers must refund consumers when services are not rendered, stressing that denying refunds violates statutory consumer rights.
