MTN backtracks on 200% data hike after public outrage

…Apologises, adjusts increase to 50%

By Chinenye Anuforo

MTN Nigeria has apologised to its customers following widespread backlash over a sudden 200 per cent increase in the price of its 15GB digital bundle.

The telecommunications firm increased the cost of the promotional plan from N2,000 to N6,000 earlier this week, sparking outrage across social media platforms.   

In a message to its customers on Thursday, MTN acknowledged the frustration the sudden change had caused. “You dey vex. We know how upsetting it must have been to suddenly wake up to a 200 per cent increase on your favourite digital bundle,” the company stated.   

While the company hinted at reasons behind the increase, it refrained from detailed explanations, suggesting that customers might not be interested in justification.

“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 statement read.

Daily Sun earlier reported MTN  adjusted its data subscription prices following the Nigerian Communications Commission’s (NCC) approval of a 50 per cent tariff increase but the hike triggered widespread frustration among Nigerians, many of whom rely on affordable data for education, business, and remote work. Social media platforms were flooded with complaints, with users describing the increases as “exploitative” and “unsustainable.” 

An X user, @AfrokonnectNG, lamented, “Internet access is essential for work, education, and staying connected, yet it’s being priced like a luxury. MTN really needs to reconsider this move”. Another user, @limasyre, pointed out the discrepancy between the NCC’s 50 per cent approval and MTN’s 200 per cent increase, stating, “A 50 per cent hike is supposed to be N3,000, not N6,000”. 

MTN had defended the price adjustments, stating that they are necessary to enhance service quality and address rising operational costs. Karl Toriola, MTN Nigeria’s CEO, assured subscribers that the tariff hike would lead to improved network infrastructure and customer experience. 

Meanwhile, other major telecom operators, including Airtel and Glo, have yet to implement similar price increases. Industry analysts predict that these providers may follow suit in the coming weeks, potentially leading to a broader shift in Nigeria’s telecom pricing landscape.