Nigerians have taken to social media to express their frustration over the sudden increase in data tariffs by telecom giant, MTN.
A review by our correspondent on the myMTN app revealed a sharp increase in the price of 15GB weekly data bundle from N2,000 to N6,000, representing a 200% hike.
The development follows the recent approval by the Nigerian Communications Commission for a 50% increase in telecom tariffs, allowing operators to raise their prices for data and airtime.
The NCC, in its January directive, justified the tariff review, citing its powers under Section 108 of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003 (NCA), which grants it the authority to regulate telecom charges.
However, the regulator also acknowledged the economic hardship faced by Nigerians, stating that it remains empathetic to the financial pressures on households and businesses.
Despite the NCC’s explanation, Nigerians on social media, especially X.com (formerly Twitter)have voiced their displeasure over the steep data price hike.
A user, @Silva, described the increase as textbook insanity stating, “Nigeria is a very difficult place to live in, honestly. MTN waking up one day to increase their weekly 15GB data from 2K to 6K without prior warning is crazy. That’s 24K in a month—almost the country’s minimum wage—just for data. This is hell.”
Another user, @ChiefNonso, criticized those who still patronize the service, saying, “Some of you will still subscribe to this 15GB for 6K and still defend the politicians that put us in this mess. It will not be well with your generation!”
Expressing his frustration, @TopGun wrote, “There’s no way for the average Nigerian to grow in this country. The 2K for 15GB that we were managing is now 6K. How does one even save in all of this?”
Similarly, @Aworibaby questioned the impact on cost of living saying, “15GB went from 2K to 6K? How are we even supposed to grow in this country? How are we supposed to save? Is this how we want to leave the trenches? God abeg.”
Another user, @Chapo, called the move brutal, asking, “MTN increasing 15GB from 2K to 6K is the most brutal thing. Why did they do that?”
Meanwhile, MTN is yet to release an official statement addressing the backlash or providing clarity on whether the price increase is temporary or permanent.
