Nigeria’s largest telecom operator, MTN, has commenced the phased implementation of a 50 per cent increase in data tariffs, following the approval granted by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) in January. The adjustment has led to significant changes in the pricing of data plans, while call and SMS rates remain unchanged for now.
A senior MTN executive, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed the development in a conversation on Tuesday. “Yes, we’ve started updating our price lists. However, this process is gradual, and we haven’t completed it for all products yet,” the source stated.
The price hike primarily affects various data plans, with notable increases across different packages. A review of MTN’s updated pricing structure shows that the 1.5GB monthly plan, previously priced at N1,000, has been replaced by a 1.8GB plan at N1,500. Similarly, the 15GB plan has risen from N4,500 to N6,500, while the 20GB plan now costs N7,500, up from N5,500.
Larger data bundles have also seen significant price jumps. The 1.5 terabyte (TB) 90-day plan, which was previously available for N150,000, now costs N240,000. Additionally, the 600GB 90-day plan has been increased from N75,000 to N120,000, marking a steep rise in costs for heavy data users.
The NCC had announced the tariff hike on January 20, citing the rising cost of operations within the telecommunications sector. According to the Commission, the decision was made to ensure the long-term sustainability of telecom services in Nigeria amid economic challenges.
Reuben Muoka, the NCC’s Director of Public Affairs, emphasized that the tariff adjustment aligns with the Commission’s regulatory mandate under Section 108 of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003. “This review was necessary to maintain a stable telecom industry and support continued investments,” Muoka said.
However, the tariff increase has sparked backlash from consumer advocacy groups, particularly the National Association of Telecommunications Subscribers (NATCOMS). The association has strongly opposed the decision, arguing that it places an additional financial burden on Nigerians already struggling with economic hardships.
NATCOMS has called for a reversal of the tariff hike and proposed a more moderate increase of 10 per cent instead of the approved 50 per cent. The association has also threatened to take legal action if the NCC does not reconsider the decision.
