Telecommunication company MTN Nigeria on Tuesday kicked off the gradual implementation of a 50% tariff hike approved by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) in January amid stiff opposition by telecom subscribers.
MTN began the implementation with its data plans as the price adjustment has yet to affect call and SMS rates.
Nigeria News Source findings show that the prices reviewed include a 1.8GB monthly plan for N1,500, replacing the previous 1.5GB plan priced at N1,000. The 20GB plan, which used to cost N5,500, now goes for N7,500, while the 15GB plan now costs N6,500, up from N4,500 previously.
More significant increases have occurred with larger bundles, with the 90-day 1.5TB plan increasing from N150,000 to N240,000, while the 600GB 90-day plan rose from N75,000 to N120,000, multiple media sources report quoting a senior executive at MTN who confirmed the development.
“We’ve started updating our price lists. However, this process is gradual, and we haven’t completed it for all products yet,” The Punch quotes the unnamed source at MTN as saying.
Nigeria’s telecommunications regulator, the NCC, had on January 20, 2025 announced the approval of 50 per cent tariff increase after months of pressure from the telcos. The NCC cited rising operational costs and the need to ensure the long-term sustainability of the telecommunications sector, noting that the decision aligns with its regulatory mandate under Section 108 of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003.
However, the approved tariff increase was greeted with stiff opposition by many Nigerians, including groups and associations. The kicks continue even as MTN has commenced implementation.
