Nigeria’s leading telecommunications provider, MTN, has issued a public apology to its customers following widespread dissatisfaction over a significant increase in the price of its 15GB data bundle. The company recently adjusted the cost of its 15GB weekly data plan to ₦6,000, a 200% rise from the previous ₦2,000. This unexpected hike has led to substantial backlash on social media platforms, with numerous customers expressing their frustration and disappointment.
In a message shared online, MTN acknowledged the concerns of its users, stating:
“To our 15GB bundle users, we hear you. We know how frustrating it must have been to wake up to such a price change. We could offer several explanations, but we recognize that this situation has caused disappointment. We admit our mistake.”
The message continued, urging customers to move forward:
“In this season of love, let’s not stay angry. Please forgive and forget. You are important to us, and we will never stop showing our appreciation.”
This development comes in the wake of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) approving a 50% increase in telecommunications tariffs in January 2025. The NCC’s decision was influenced by rising operational costs and the need to sustain the industry. The commission emphasized that tariff rates had remained unchanged since 2013, despite increasing operational expenses faced by telecom operators. The approved adjustment aims to address the significant gap between operational costs and current tariffs while ensuring that service delivery is not compromised.
In response to the tariff hike, Nigeria’s main labor union, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), has rejected the increase and announced plans for a nationwide protest on February 4. The NLC described the tariff hike as “insensitive, unjustifiable, and a direct assault” on citizens already grappling with the worst cost-of-living crisis in a generation. The union demanded the immediate suspension of the tariff adjustment and called for dialogue between the government, the regulator, and union leaders. They also threatened a nationwide boycott of telecommunications services … .
The Minister of Communication, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, has justified the 50% tariff increase, citing inflation and rising operational costs as primary factors. He noted that the move aligns with broader economic patterns, where tariffs lead to higher consumer prices due to additional costs on imported goods. The minister emphasized that tariffs act as a sales tax, causing a one-off price increase rather than sustained inflation.
Currently, only MTN has implemented the price increase for the 15GB data bundle. However, industry analysts anticipate that other major telecom operators, such as Airtel and Globacom, may follow suit in the near future, especially after the NCC’s recent tariff adjustment approval.
The situation remains dynamic, with various stakeholders, including consumers, labor unions, telecom operators, and government agencies, actively engaging in discussions to find a balanced resolution that addresses the concerns of all parties involved.
