- He explained that mobile providers globally often rely on data caps or fair usage policies
- He also suggested that public opposition to MTN’s pricing policies could intensify
- The regulator authorised increases in data, voice, and SMS charges in 2025, citing rising operational costs, inflation
Human rights activist and African Action Congress (AAC) presidential hopeful for 2027, Omoyele Sowore, has criticised comments made by MTN Nigeria’s Chief Executive Officer, Karl Toriola, regarding the availability of unlimited mobile data services around the world
Eko Hot Blog gathered that Toriola, speaking at a Lagos forum tagged “Data on Trial” on Saturday, argued that genuinely unlimited data plans are largely impractical on mobile networks.
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According to him, network operators cannot maintain quality service if subscribers are allowed unrestricted data access at low prices.
He explained that mobile providers globally often rely on data caps or fair usage policies, adding that truly unlimited plans, where available, usually come at very high costs.
Responding through a post on X on Sunday, Sowore rejected the claim, insisting that consumers in many countries have access to unlimited or near-unlimited mobile and broadband services without paying excessive fees.
The former presidential candidate argued that telecom users in several parts of the world enjoy better data offerings at prices that are comparatively more affordable when measured against local earnings than what Nigerians currently pay.
Sowore maintained that Nigerian consumers deserve improved network quality, affordable pricing, and services that prioritise customer satisfaction rather than repeated tariff increases.
He also suggested that public opposition to MTN’s pricing policies could intensify, hinting at a possible nationwide protest campaign against the telecommunications company.
The disagreement comes amid ongoing debate over recent telecom tariff adjustments approved by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
The regulator authorised increases in data, voice, and SMS charges in 2025, citing rising operational costs, inflation, and currency pressures.
While MTN has continued to argue that mobile data in Nigeria remains among the cheapest globally, critics have pointed to examples from countries in Europe, Asia, and parts of Africa where consumers reportedly enjoy broader data access and stronger service quality at competitive rates.
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