1 week ago
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MTN Nigeria has officially increased the prices of its data subscription plans, marking the beginning of the implementation of the 50 per cent price adjustment recently approved by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
This move, which is expected to be replicated by other telecom operators, has sparked mixed reactions from industry stakeholders and subscribers.
According to revised pricing details observed by Nairametrics, MTN’s 1.8GB monthly plan now costs N1,500, replacing the previous 1.5GB plan that was priced at N1,000.
Similarly, the 20GB plan has been increased to N7,500 from N5,500, while the 15GB plan now costs N6,500, up from N4,500.
While MTN has moved swiftly to adjust its rates, other major telecom operators, including Airtel, Globacom, and 9mobile, are yet to update their data prices as of the time of this report.
However, all networks have now implemented a new charge of N6.00 for text messages, up from N4.00, reflecting the NCC-approved 50 per cent increase.
Telecom industry sources confirm that final approval for the new tariff plans was granted on Monday, with all operators now in the process of adjusting their voice and data packages accordingly.
Engr. Gbenga Adebayo, Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), had earlier revealed that all telecom operators submitted their revised tariff proposals to the NCC and were awaiting regulatory approval.
“The sector has been operating with stagnant pricing for over a decade, despite significant inflation and rising operational costs,” Adebayo said. “The tariff adjustment is essential to ensure the sustainability of telecom services and continued investment in infrastructure.”
The NCC, in a statement signed by its Director of Public Affairs, Reuben Muoka, emphasized that the decision aligns with its regulatory responsibilities under Section 108 of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003.
The Commission cited rising operating expenses, including foreign exchange fluctuations, high energy costs, and increased infrastructure maintenance costs, as key reasons for the approval.
Despite the justification from telecom regulators and operators, subscribers and consumer rights groups have raised concerns over the tariff hike.
The National Association of Telecommunications Subscribers (NATCOMS) has strongly opposed the increase, threatening to challenge it in court.
Chief Deolu Ogunbanjo, President of NATCOMS, criticized the decision, stating that it was made without adequate consultation with key stakeholders, including consumers.
“This sudden tariff hike will place an additional financial burden on Nigerians who rely heavily on telecom services for business, education, and daily communication,” Ogunbanjo argued.
With the new tariff adjustments already in motion, industry analysts predict that other operators will soon follow MTN’s lead.
While telcos argue that the price hike is necessary for sustainability, consumer advocacy groups are pushing for regulatory interventions to protect subscribers from excessive costs.
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