MTN Nigeria has begun rolling out a 50% increase in data tariffs, following the approval by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) in January. While the adjustment currently affects only data plans, call and SMS rates remain unchanged.
A senior MTN executive, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed the development on Tuesday. “Yes, we’ve started updating our price lists. However, the process is gradual, and not all products have been adjusted yet,” the source stated.
The new pricing structure shows significant hikes across various data plans. For example, the 1.5GB monthly plan, which previously cost N1,000, has been replaced with a 1.8GB plan priced at N1,500. The 15GB plan has increased from N4,500 to N6,500, while the 20GB plan now costs N7,500, up from N5,500.
Larger data bundles have also seen sharp increases. The 1.5 terabyte (TB) 90-day plan has surged from N150,000 to N240,000, while the 600GB 90-day plan has jumped from N75,000 to N120,000.
The NCC defended the price adjustments, citing rising operational costs and the need to sustain the telecommunications sector. According to the Commission’s Director of Public Affairs, Reuben Muoka, the decision aligns with regulatory mandates under the Nigerian Communications Act of 2003.
However, the National Association of Telecommunications Subscribers (NATCOMS) has strongly opposed the increase, calling for a rollback to a 10% hike instead of 50%. The group has even threatened legal action if the decision is not reconsidered.
The changes come at a time when many Nigerians are already grappling with economic challenges, sparking widespread discussions on the affordability of internet access in the country.
