Amid Consumer Outrage, MTN Raises Data, SMS Prices

MTN, Nigeria’s largest telecommunications operator on Tuesday commenced implementation of the Nigerian Communications Commission’s approved tariff hike by increasing its data prices.

This follows the Nigerian Communications Commission’s (NCC) approval of a 50 per cent tariff adjustment, which telecom operators had requested to counter economic pressures.

MTN Nigeria defended its recent data tariff hike, assuring customers that the adjustment is necessary to sustain operations and improve service quality.

The telecom giant insists that rising operational costs, inflation, and currency devaluation have made it impossible to maintain previous pricing structures without compromising network performance.

However, the sharp increase in some data plans—far exceeding the approved 50 per cent, has sparked widespread consumer backlash, with many subscribers calling the move excessive and unfair.

MTN’s revised data pricing, which took effect on February 10, 2025, saw significant changes across several popular plans. A check by our correspondent using the *312# code on the MTN network showed the revised MTN data prices.

Despite MTN’s justification, many Nigerians remain skeptical, with social media flooded with complaints. While the NCC had approved a maximum 50 per cent increase, several of MTN’s new prices reflect a much higher percentage increase, leaving customers feeling misled.

For instance, the 15GB weekly plan jumped from N2,000 to N6,000, a 200 percent increase. Similarly, the 1.5TB plan rose from N150,000 to N240,000, far beyond the regulatory cap.

For the monthly plans, MTN 1.8GB now goes for N1,500, replacing the previous 1.5GB plan priced at N1,000; the 20GB monthly plan has been adjusted to N7,500, up from N5,500, among others.

Text messaging on the network has also increased to N6.00 reflecting the 50 per cent hike, while hike in voice calls rates are yet to be ascertained.

This has led to widespread calls for MTN to provide more transparency about its pricing calculations.

On ‘X’ (formerly Twitter), users have criticised the move as exploitative. One user, @limasyre, wrote; “How did we go from a 50 percent NCC-approved hike to a 200 percent increase on some plans? Nigerians are being overcharged!”

Another, @AfrokonnectNG, lamented:”Internet access is a necessity, not a luxury. This move hurts students, remote workers, and small businesses the most.”

Other mobile operators comprising Airtel, Globacom, and 9mobile are yet to update their data prices as at the time of filing this report.

While MTN has taken the lead in adjusting its tariffs, other major telecom providers like Airtel, Glo, and 9mobile have yet to implement similar changes.

However, industry analysts predict that they may soon follow suit, citing the same economic pressures.

MTN company executives argue that the new pricing structure is necessary to maintain network expansion, upgrade infrastructure, and ensure continued service quality.

MTN Nigeria’s CEO, Karl Toriola reassured subscribers that the tariff hike would ultimately benefit them, stating, “We understand the concerns of our customers, but this adjustment is essential for the long-term sustainability of telecom services in Nigeria. We remain committed to improving network quality and delivering value despite economic challenges.”

Toriola pointed to the rising cost of maintaining telecom infrastructure, especially given the foreign exchange crisis that has driven up the price of imported equipment and energy costs needed to power base stations across the country.