Subscribers lament as MTN implements tariff hike

By Chinenye Anuforo

In a move that has sparked widespread outrage among subscribers on ‘X’ formally called twitter, MTN Nigeria has implemented the recent tariff increase with new data plans surging significantly.

This follows the Nigerian Communications Commission’s (NCC) approval of a 50 per cent tariff adjustment for telecom operators, citing rising operational costs and the need for industry sustainability. 

The adjustment, which is evident in the updated prices of data plans by MTN, leaves call and SMS rates unaffected for the time being.

MTN’s revised data pricing, which took effect on February 10, 2025, has seen drastic increases across several popular plans. For instance, the 15GB weekly data bundle, previously priced at N2,000, now costs N6,000. Similarly, the 1.5TB plan has risen from N150,000 to N240,000, while the 100GB bundle has been reduced to 90GB and now costs N25,000, up from N20,000.

Other affected plans include:  The 600GB bundle, now priced at N120,000 for 480GB, up from N75,000.  The 20GB plan, adjusted to N7,500 from N5,500. The 1.8GB monthly plan, now N1,500, replacing the previous 1.5GB plan at N1,000. 

While some smaller plans, such as the 2.5GB daily plan, remain unchanged at N500, the steep increases in mid-range and larger data bundles have drawn significant backlash from consumers. 

The NCC had approved a maximum tariff increase of 50 per cent in January 2025, following requests from telecom operators for hikes exceeding 100 per cent. The commission stated that the adjustment was necessary to address rising operational costs, inflation, and currency devaluation, which have plagued the industry for over a decade. 

Reuben Mouka, NCC’s spokesperson, emphasized that the decision aligns with the commission’s regulatory powers under Section 108 of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003. He noted that the 50 per cent cap was a compromise to balance industry sustainability with consumer affordability. 

The tariff hike has triggered widespread frustration among Nigerians, many of whom rely on affordable data for education, business, and remote work. Social media platforms have been 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.