MTN Nigeria Increases Data Prices As NCC Approves 50% Tariff Hike.
MTN Nigeria has increased the cost of its data subscription plans as telecommunications operators across the country begin implementing the 50% tariff adjustment recently approved by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
According to the revised prices as observed by our correspondents, MTN’s 1.8GB monthly plan now costs ₦1,500, replacing the previous 1.5GB plan, which was priced at ₦1,000. Similarly, the 20GB plan has been adjusted to ₦7,500 from ₦5,500, while the 15GB plan now costs ₦6,500, up from ₦4,500.
While other telecom providers—including Airtel, Globacom, and 9mobile—have yet to update their data tariffs as of the time of gathering this update, all networks have implemented a 50% increase in SMS charges, now costing ₦6.00 per text message, compared to the previous ₦4.00.
Industry-Wide Implementation Underway
Telecom industry sources confirm that operators received final approval for their new tariff plans on Monday and are currently adjusting their data and voice services accordingly.
Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), Engr. Gbenga Adebayo, had earlier disclosed that all operators had submitted their revised tariff proposals to the NCC, pending approval. On 20th January, the NCC officially announced the 50% tariff adjustment, citing rising operational costs and the need to sustain the industry.
According to Reuben Muoka, the NCC’s Director of Public Affairs, the decision aligns with the Commission’s regulatory responsibilities under Section 108 of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003.
Consumer Backlash and Government Justification
The National Association of Telecommunications Subscribers (NATCOMS) has strongly opposed the price hike and has threatened legal action. The association claims that the decision was made without sufficient consultation with key stakeholders, including subscribers.
However, the Presidency has defended the NCC’s decision, insisting that the adjustment was necessary to maintain the viability of the telecom sector. The Bola Ahmed Tinubu Media Centre clarified that while the approval allows operators to raise tariffs, it does not mandate them to do so immediately.
“It is important to highlight that this approval does not mean automatic increases in tariffs. Operators are free to maintain their current rates if they find them sustainable,” the statement read.
The government further noted that Nigeria’s telecom industry had been operating under static price mechanisms for over a decade, with tariffs remaining unchanged since 2013 despite significant increases in operational costs.
What Next for Consumers?
With MTN leading the way in implementing the new tariffs, other telecom operators are expected to follow suit in the coming weeks. While the industry argues that the price adjustment is long overdue, consumer groups are pushing for more dialogue to ensure affordability and fair pricing for subscribers.
As Nigerians adjust to these new rates, attention now turns to how telecom providers balance sustainability with customer concerns in the evolving digital economy.
