By Ayomide Otitoju
MTN Nigeria’s sudden increase in data prices has sparked widespread criticism on social media, with many subscribers expressing frustration over the steep hikes.
The telecommunications giant raised the cost of its 15GB data bundle from N2,000 to N6,000, a 200% increase, despite regulatory approval from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) allowing only a 50% tariff adjustment.
NCC’s Approval and Industry Reforms
In January, Reuben Mouka, NCC’s spokesperson, confirmed the commission’s decision, stating that the approval was granted under Section 108 of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003. He explained that while some network operators had proposed over a 100% increase, the NCC approved a capped adjustment of 50% to balance industry sustainability with consumer affordability.
“The adjustment, capped at a maximum of 50% of current tariffs, was reached after considering ongoing industry reforms that will positively influence sustainability,” Mouka stated.
However, MTN’s new pricing structure exceeds the approved limit, with several data plans seeing drastic increases. The 1.5TB plan jumped from N150,000 to N240,000, while the 100GB bundle now costs N25,000 for 90GB, up from N20,000 for 100GB. The 600GB plan also increased from N75,000 to N120,000 for 480GB.
MTN Justifies Price Hike
MTN Nigeria confirmed the changes in a response on X (formerly Twitter), attributing the increase to service improvements.
“Y’ello! Thanks for stopping by. We apologize 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,” the company wrote.
Subscribers React: “This is Insanity”
The price hike has ignited backlash from subscribers, many of whom are already struggling with rising living costs.
An X user, Khan, called for a boycott of the network, stating:
“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, lamented the cost burden, saying:
“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 minimum wage of the country on data. Bruh, this is hell.”
As public outcry grows, many are calling on regulatory bodies and the government to intervene, urging MTN to reconsider its pricing adjustments.
