MTN Nigeria, a major player in the country’s telecommunications sector, has begun implementing a substantial increase in its data tariffs. The company confirmed the price adjustments through a response shared on its official X (formerly Twitter) account.
In its statement, MTN wrote: “Y’ello! Thanks for stopping by. We apologise for any inconvenience and delayed response. A price increase has been implemented to enhance our services and serve you better, which is why you are seeing the updated amount.”
This development follows the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC)’s recent approval of tariff adjustments for telecom operators, attributing the decision to prevailing market conditions.
Reuben Mouka, the NCC’s spokesperson, previously announced the approval in January, emphasizing that the commission’s decision aligns with its regulatory authority under Section 108 of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003. Mouka explained that the adjustment permits a maximum increase of 50% on current tariffs, striking a balance after telecom companies initially sought over a 100% hike.
“The adjustment, capped at a maximum of 50% of current tariffs, though lower than the over 100% requested by some network operators, was arrived at taking into account ongoing industry reforms that will positively influence sustainability,” Mouka stated.
Despite this cap, Chronicles Reporters observed that MTN has raised data bundle prices by approximately 200%. The updated pricing structure reveals that the 15GB data plan, which was previously N2,000, now costs N6,000. Similarly, the 1.5TB plan has surged from N150,000 to N240,000.
Other affected plans include the 100GB bundle, which has been reduced to 90GB but now costs N25,000, compared to the previous N20,000 price for 100GB. Meanwhile, the 600GB package has been revised to 480GB and increased from N75,000 to N120,000.
The sudden price surge has sparked concerns among subscribers, many of whom are already struggling with Nigeria’s economic challenges.
Social media platforms have been flooded with complaints from users voicing their frustration over the sharp increase. Some have called on MTN to reconsider the new pricing structure, citing its impact on affordability.
One X user, Khan, expressed displeasure, saying: “I think it’s high time we boycotted MTN. Their network is terrible, and their data plans are a rip-off. The 15GB package doesn’t even last three days. During the protest, they deliberately sabotaged their own network to prevent it from happening.”
Another user, Silva, added: “Nigeria is a very difficult place to live in, honestly. MTN waking up one day to increase their weekly 15GB data from 2K to 6K without prior warning is textbook insanity. That’s 24K in a month, almost the country’s minimum wage spent on data. Bruh, this is hell.”
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