Nigerians are expressing significant outrage following MTN Nigeria’s decision to increase the price of its weekly 15GB data plan from N2,000 to N6,000, a move that marks a 200 percent price increase. This adjustment is part of a broader 50 percent hike in telecom service prices recently approved, leading to widespread dissatisfaction among subscribers.
New Data Plan Prices
Under MTN’s revised pricing, the 15GB weekly data plan, which was previously available for N2,000, now costs N6,000, marking a 200 percent increase. Similarly, the 20GB plan has risen from N5,500 to N7,500, and the 15GB plan is now N6,500, up from N4,500. Long-term plans have also seen substantial increases; the 90-day 1.5TB plan has escalated from N150,000 to N240,000, and the 600GB 90-day plan from N75,000 to N120,000. The two/three-month plan offering 100GB for N20,000 has been reduced to 90GB for N25,000, and the 160GB plan for N30,000 is now 150GB for N40,000.
SMS Charges
In addition to data plans, the cost of sending a text message has also been adjusted across all networks, increasing from N4.00 to N6.00.
Public Reaction on Social Media
The public outcry has been loud on social media platforms like X, where internet users such as @SlimeAbudu, remarked on the potential shift in consumer loyalty, stating, “MTN’s sudden data price hike is frustrating customers, making alternatives like Glo or Airtel more appealing. With no prior notice or added value, many feel pushed away. Affordability matters MTN risks losing loyal users to competitors offering better deals…” Another user,
@Marknit0, expressed his dismay, saying, “Very Nigerian of y’all, always looking for means to survive and move on Nobody is asking why MTN woke up on a Monday morning and increased their data price from 2k to 6k. I hate it here mehnn.”
@moyomi_fe stated “MTN making a 200% increase from 2k to 6k is so uncalled for, well influencers pushed for this… One thing is for sure people will adapt but one day when people are unable to adapt anymore, cos there’s always a limit to endurance, by then the next thing is chaos and Anarchy.”
Regulatory Context and Justification
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) announced on January 20 that it had approved a 50% tariff adjustment for telecom operators. This decision was aimed at enabling operators to invest more in infrastructure and innovation, thereby improving service quality, customer service, and network coverage. The Presidency has defended this hike, arguing it’s essential for the sustainability of the telecom industry. However, telecom companies were not immediately able to adjust prices as they needed further regulatory approval from the NCC for each product’s price increase.
Industry Response
At an industry meeting on January 25, Gbenga Adebayo, chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), indicated that a phased implementation of the new tariffs would soon begin. He confirmed that all operators had submitted their new tariff plans to the NCC, awaiting final approval.
Consumer Impact
The sharp increase in prices has led to a significant backlash from consumers, highlighting the need for telecom giants like MTN to balance economic pressures with transparent communication and considerate pricing strategies. The overall reaction underscores the importance of affordability and the potential for customer attrition to competitors offering more reasonable deals.
