LAGOS, NIGERIA – Nigerians have reacted with anger and frustration following a sharp increase in the cost of mobile data by some of the country’s leading telecom providers.
MTN, Nigeria’s largest network operator, has tripled the price of one of its most popular weekly data bundles, while Airtel has also raised its tariffs significantly.
The price hikes come despite the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) approving an increase capped at 50%.
The telecom firms had lobbied for price adjustments, citing rising operational costs. However, many Nigerians feel blindsided as the increases in some cases exceed the regulatory body’s limit.
Subscribers only became aware of the changes when attempting to purchase data plans. The steepest rise has been observed in MTN’s 15GB weekly bundle, which jumped from 2,000 naira ($1.33; £1.08) to 6,000 naira ($3.99).
Similarly, the cost of MTN’s 1GB daily plan has more than doubled, while Airtel has reportedly tripled the cost of a similar package. In contrast, users of Globacom, the third-largest network provider, have not yet experienced price increases.
Social media has been flooded with complaints from irate customers, many of whom argue that the price surge could further limit internet access at a time when many Nigerians are already struggling financially.
One X user lamented, “What sort of outrageous increase is that?… Just making sure the masses suffer more.” Another frustrated user added, “Triple the amount? The end time is near.”
MTN defended the increase in a post on X, stating that the price adjustment was “necessary to serve subscribers better.” The company also issued an apology for any inconvenience caused. Meanwhile, Airtel has yet to comment on the controversy.
The NCC has yet to respond to concerns that some of these price hikes appear to exceed the regulatory body’s 50% cap.
The silence from the commission has only fueled further discontent, as Nigerians demand clarity on whether the telecom companies have acted within approved limits.
The latest data tariff hikes come at a time when Nigeria is grappling with its worst economic crisis in decades.
Inflation, which soared following the Russia-Ukraine war, worsened when President Bola Tinubu’s administration removed fuel subsidies in 2023 and introduced a currency devaluation policy.
While these measures were intended to stabilize the economy in the long term, they have led to increased hardship for many Nigerians in the short term.
For businesses and individuals who rely on internet access for their livelihood, the cost increase is a significant blow. Digital content creator Mubarak Uniquepikin told the BBC that the move could push many struggling entrepreneurs out of business.
“The economy is already comatose, and for this to come in now when a lot of people can’t rent shops and have taken their business online is bad,” he said.
“Many young people already find it difficult to buy data, and this would definitely make it worse for them.”
With growing public outcry, pressure is mounting on the NCC to clarify its position and ensure that telecom providers adhere to its regulations.
Until then, millions of Nigerians will be left grappling with yet another increase in their cost of living.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
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