- Nigerians outraged as MTN increases 15GB data price from N2,000 to N6,000 overnight.
- Subscribers slam the hike, calling it exploitative and unfair amid economic hardship.
- NCC-approved 50% tariff increase may be behind the sudden price surge, sparking labor union protests.
Nigerians have reacted with outrage following a sudden increase in the cost of data, calls, and other services by telecom giant MTN.
EKO HOT BLOG reports that on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, numerous subscribers took to social media to criticize the price hike, describing it as exploitative and unfair, especially amid worsening economic conditions.
A notable change was the weekly 15GB data plan, which previously cost N2,000 but skyrocketed to N6,000 overnight.
According to the new pricing structure, the 15GB data bundle, which previously cost N2,000, now costs N6,000. Similarly, the 1.5TB plan has increased from N150,000 to N240,000
Other affected plans include; the 100GB bundle, which now costs N25,000 for 90GB, up from the previous price of N20,000 for 100GB. The 600GB bundle has also increased from N75,000 to N120,000 for 480GB.
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An X user, Khan wrote: “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, @gbolahan2211, expressed frustration:
“Imagine MTN @MTNNG increasing their 15GB data plan overnight without prior notice. I messaged them, and they said it’s to serve me better. This is not the way to do things!”
Another user, @GIFTy6286, wrote:
“If they like, they should increase it to N1 million; we will survive.”
@AfrokonnectNG criticized the hike:
“This sudden increase from N2,000 to N6,000 for 15GB is outrageous! Internet access is essential for work, education, and staying connected, yet it’s being priced like a luxury.”
Others pointed out the inconsistency in pricing policies. @Gorilla23mp questioned:
“But this is almost a 200% increase. I thought they said it wouldn’t be more than 100%?”
@TheSilvapr lamented:
“Living in Nigeria is hard enough. Now MTN increases their 15GB plan from N2,000 to N6,000 without warning. That’s N24,000 a month—almost the minimum wage—just for data. This is madness.”
While MTN has yet to issue an official statement, observations suggest it may be implementing the 50% tariff hike recently approved by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
On January 20, 2025, the NCC’s Director of Public Affairs, Reuben Muoka, announced that the adjustment would begin in February. He explained that while some telecom operators had requested a 100% increase, the commission settled for a 50% hike after considering industry reforms aimed at sustainability.
“Tariff rates have remained static since 2013, despite rising operational costs. The approved adjustment addresses the gap between costs and current tariffs while ensuring service delivery is not compromised,” the NCC stated.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) rejected the tariff hike, calling for a reduction to 5% and threatening a nationwide protest if its demands were ignored.
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NLC President Joe Ajaero condemned the hike as “insensitive and unjustifiable,” stating it would place an extra burden on Nigerian consumers. After discussions with the Federal Government, the NLC temporarily suspended its planned protest and agreed to form a 10-member committee to review the issue within two weeks.
Meanwhile, the Trade Union Congress (TUC) also vowed to take action, threatening a nationwide strike if the government does not rescind its approval of the 50% tariff hike. The TUC described the increase as “ill-timed and an act of economic oppression against Nigerians.”
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