Nigeria’s largest telecommunications provider, MTN, has begun rolling out a 50% increase in data tariffs.
The price adjustment follows approval from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) in January.
While data costs have risen, call and SMS rates remain unchanged—for now.
Gradual Price Adjustments Underway
A senior MTN executive, who requested anonymity, confirmed the price changes in a conversation with journalists on Tuesday.
“Yes, we have started updating our price lists,” the source stated.
However, the executive clarified that the changes are not immediate across all plans.
“This process is being implemented gradually, and we are yet to adjust pricing for all products,” they added.
New Data Tariffs Take Effect
The changes primarily impact MTN’s data plans, with notable price increases across various packages.
For instance, the 1.5GB monthly plan, which previously cost N1,000, has been adjusted to 1.8GB for N1,500.
The 15GB plan now costs N6,500, up from N4,500.
Similarly, the 20GB plan has increased from N5,500 to N7,500.
Larger data plans have experienced even more significant price hikes.
The 1.5 terabyte (TB) 90-day plan, which previously cost N150,000, now stands at N240,000.
Likewise, the 600GB 90-day bundle has increased from N75,000 to N120,000.
NCC Justifies the Price Increase
The NCC announced the tariff hike on January 20, citing rising operational expenses in the telecom sector.
According to the Commission, the adjustment ensures long-term sustainability for telecom operators.
Reuben Muoka, the NCC’s Director of Public Affairs, stated that the decision aligns with the regulatory provisions under Section 108 of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003.
Subscribers React to Tariff Hike
The National Association of Telecommunications Subscribers (NATCOMS) has strongly opposed the increase.
The association has threatened legal action, urging the NCC to reconsider its decision.
NATCOMS is pushing for a reversal, suggesting that the price hike should be capped at 10% instead of 50%.
