MTN Nigeria has raised the prices of several internet plans, following the 50% tariff increase approved by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) in January. The price adjustments, which took effect on February 10, have sparked widespread concern among subscribers, many of whom are already grappling with Nigeria’s rising cost of living.
After the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) approved a 50% tariff increase in January, MTN Nigeria has increased the prices of several internet plans. The price adjustments, implemented on February 10, have caused concern among subscribers who are already struggling with the rising cost of living in Nigeria.
The telecom giant confirmed the price changes in response to a customer inquiry on X stating:
“Y’ello! Thanks for stopping by, We apologise for any inconvenience and delayed response. A price increase has been implemented to enhance our services and serve you better, which is why you are seeing the updated amount.”
How MTN data plans have changed
A review of MTN’s updated data pricing between January 20 and February 11 reveals that while some plans increased significantly, others remained unchanged or were even reduced.
Some plans that increased:
– 15GB Weekly Plan (7 days) → Increased from ₦2,000 to ₦6,000.
– 100GB bundle → Now ₦25,000 for 90GB, up from the previous ₦20,000 for 100GB.
– 600GB bundle → Now ₦120,000 for 480GB, up from ₦75,000 for 600GB.
Some plans that remained unchanged:
– 1.5GB + 10 Mins Weekly Plan (7 days) → Still ₦1,000.
– 7GB Weekly Plan (7 days) → Still ₦2,000.
Some plans that decreased:
– 11GB + 25 mins Monthly Plan + FREE 2GB YouTube Night, 300MB YouTube Music (30 days) → Reduced to ₦5,000 from ₦5,500.
While some subscribers may find relief in the price reductions, the sharp increase in popular mid-range plans like the 15GB Weekly Plan has drawn significant backlash online.
The announcement comes after the NCC granted telecom operators permission to raise their tariffs, citing prevailing market conditions and industry sustainability concerns.
Reuben Mouka, spokesperson for the NCC, had previously announced the regulator’s decision, explaining that the approval aligns with the NCC’s regulatory powers under Section 108 of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003.
According to Mouka, telecom operators had requested an increase of over 100%, but the commission approved a maximum 50% adjustment as a compromise.
The adjustment, capped at a maximum of 50% of current tariffs, though lower than the over 100% requested by some network operators, was arrived at taking into account ongoing industry reforms that will positively influence sustainability,”* Mouka stated.
Telecom companies, including MTN, Airtel, and Glo, have long argued that tariffs have remained static despite rising operational costs, currency devaluation, and inflation. However, critics argue that customers, already struggling with economic hardship, are being forced to bear the brunt of these cost adjustments.
