Nigerian Government Penalizes Multichoice DStv for Consumer Rights Abuse

The Consumer Protection Council has issued disciplinary orders to MultiChoice Nigerian Ltd following reported violation of consumer rights in the provision of its Digital Satellite Broadcast Television service.

This follows the conclusion of investigations into the allegations consumer rights abuse brought by the public. The council ordered the company to compensate its consumers

for violation of their rights.

Some of the compensation are

suspension of service when consumers are away, release of free-to air channels, even when subscription expires; compensation across board to consumers for lost viewing time, introduction of local toll free lines; and reasonable equitable spread of popular sports channels, among others.

The company was also required to present written assurances in line with Section 10 of the Council’s enabling law that it will not engage in any conduct which is detrimental to the interest of consumers.

In the same vein, the company would for 18 months from the date of the order, subject its processes to the Council’s inspection to ensure compliance with the directives contained in the orders.

It said that all the orders, which have already been served on MultiChoice, are effective, not later than 90 days from their receipt.

The Council’s Director General, Mrs. Dupe Atoki, expressed optimism that compliance with these reforms would bring about a new dawn for Nigerian consumers.