MTN Nigeria, a major player in the telecom sector, has started raising its data prices significantly. They confirmed this via a post on their X (formerly Twitter) account.
In their message, they said: “Y’ello! Thanks for stopping by, We apologise for any inconvenience and delayed Response. A price increase has been implemented to enhance our services and serve you better, which is why you are seeing the updated amount.”
This decision follows the NCC's approval, which was announced by spokesperson Reuben Mouka in January. He explained that this move is in line with the NCC’s regulatory authority under Section 108 of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003.
Mouka mentioned that the new rules allow for a maximum increase of 50% on existing tariffs, which is a compromise from the over 100% hike that some network operators initially sought.
“The adjustment, capped at a maximum of 50 per cent of current tariffs, though lower than the over 100 per cent requested by some network operators, was arrived at taking into account ongoing industry reforms that will positively influence sustainability,” Mouka stated.
Following this approval, SaharaReporters noted that MTN has raised the prices of its data bundles by around 200%.
Under the new pricing, the 15GB data bundle that used to cost N2,000 is now priced at N6,000. The 1.5TB plan has also jumped from N150,000 to N240,000.
Other plans affected include the 100GB bundle, which now costs N25,000 for 90GB, up from the previous N20,000 for 100GB. The 600GB bundle has also seen an increase from N75,000 to N120,000 for 480GB.
The recent price increase has raised alarms among subscribers who are already facing tough economic times in the country. Many have taken to social media to voice their frustration over the new rates, urging the company to rethink the hike.
One user on X, Khan, shared: “I think it’s high time we boycotted MTN. Their network is terrible, and their data plans are a rip-off. The 15GB package doesn’t even last three days. During the protest, they deliberately sabotaged their own network to prevent it from happening.”
Another user, Silva, commented: “Nigeria is a very difficult place to live in honestly. MTN waking up one day to increase their weekly 15gb data from 2k to 6k without prior warning is textbook insanity. That’s 24k in a month, almost the minimum wage of the country on data, bruh, this is hell.”