By Ayomide Otitoju
Nigeria’s largest telecommunications provider, MTN, has issued a public apology following widespread backlash over a sharp 200% increase in the price of its popular 15GB data bundle.
The price hike, which raised the cost of the 15GB weekly plan from N2,000 to N6,000, took many subscribers by surprise and triggered outrage on social media on Wednesday.
In a statement shared via its social media platforms on Thursday, MTN acknowledged customers’ frustrations and admitted to mishandling the situation. The message, written in a casual and apologetic tone, read in part:
“To our 15G digital bundle lovers. You dey vex. We know. We know how upsetting it must have been to suddenly wake up to a 200% increase on your favourite digital bundle.
“We could share several reasons, and provide explanations, but omo, all that one na story. We don cast. We get it and admit it. Let’s just say na mistake.”
The company further appealed to customers, urging them to “forgive and forget” and reassuring them of MTN’s continued commitment to service quality.
While MTN has taken the lead in implementing higher tariffs, other major telecom operators, including Airtel and Globacom, are expected to follow suit after the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) approved a 50% tariff increase in January.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has strongly condemned the price adjustments, demanding an immediate reversal of the tariff hike by telecom providers.
