MTN Increases Data Prices by 200% Following NCC Tariff Approval

MTN Nigeria has implemented a significant increase in its data tariffs, with some plans rising by as much as 200%. This follows the recent approval of a tariff adjustment by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), which cited market conditions as the reason for the increase.

The telecom giant confirmed the price hike in a response on its official X (formerly Twitter) account, stating, “A price increase has been implemented to enhance our services and serve you better, which is why you are seeing the updated amount.”

Reuben Mouka, spokesperson for the NCC, had earlier announced that the regulatory body approved a maximum increase of 50% on current tariffs. This decision, shared in January, was described as a compromise, as some telecom operators had initially requested over a 100% hike. Mouka explained that the adjustment was made with consideration for ongoing industry reforms aimed at long-term sustainability.

Despite the regulatory cap, it was found that MTN’s data prices have surged dramatically. Under the new pricing structure, the 15GB data plan, previously N2,000, now costs N6,000. The 1.5TB package has jumped from N150,000 to N240,000, while the 100GB bundle has changed from N20,000 for 100GB to N25,000 for 90GB. Additionally, the 600GB plan, which was N75,000, now costs N120,000 for 480GB.

The price increase has sparked widespread frustration among subscribers, many of whom are already struggling with Nigeria’s economic challenges. Social media platforms have been flooded with complaints, with users calling on MTN to reconsider the new rates.

An X user, Khan, expressed anger, writing, “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.”

Another user, Silva, highlighted the financial burden, saying, “Nigeria is a very difficult place to live in. 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. This is hell.”