Nigeria’s leading telecom operator, MTN, has begun a phased implementation of a 50% tariff hike following approval by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) in January.
The adjustments signal a sharp increase in telecom costs for consumers using data while call and SMS rates remain unchanged.
A senior MTN executive, who spoke anonymously, confirmed the development on Tuesday.
“We have started updating our price lists, but the process is gradual and has not yet been completed for all products,” the source disclosed.
The new pricing structure introduces increases across data plans. A review of the updated price list revealed:
The 1.5GB monthly plan, previously ₦1,000, has been replaced by a 1.8GB plan at ₦1,500.
The 15GB plan increased from ₦4,500 to ₦6,500 while the 20GB plan now costs ₦7,500, up from ₦5,500.
The larger data packages also saw considerable increases, with the 1.5 terabyte (90-day plan) rising from ₦150,000 to ₦240,000 and the 600GB (90-day plan) climbing from ₦75,000 to ₦120,000.
The NCC defended the price adjustment in a statement on January 20 by attributing the increase to rising operational costs and the need to sustain the long-term financial health of the telecommunications industry.
Reuben Muoka, NCC’s Director of Public Affairs, said the decision aligns with the Commission’s regulatory mandate under Section 108 of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003.
However, the National Association of Telecommunications Subscribers (NATCOMS) has strongly opposed the hike and has threatened legal action to challenge the increase.
The association has urged for a more moderate adjustment of 10%, arguing that the current rate disproportionately burdens consumers.
As MTN continues rolling out the revised pricing, industry observers expect further reactions from regulatory bodies, consumer advocacy groups and rival telecom operators.
The unfolding developments will likely shape market pricing strategies and consumer spending trends in the telecommunications sector in the months ahead.
