By Joseph Afam

MTN Nigeria has significantly raised the price of its weekly 15GB data plan from N2,000 to N6,000, triggering widespread backlash from subscribers. This hike follows the recently approved 50% increase in telecom service costs by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

Nigerians React on Social Media

Many frustrated MTN users have taken to social media to express their displeasure.

@TheSilvapr tweeted:
“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 textbook insanity. That’s 24k in a month, almost the minimum wage of the country on data. This is hell!”

However, others pointed out that the increase reflects broader economic challenges.

@official_GZU wrote:
“MTN increasing the cost of its 15GB data subscription from 2k to 6k is a significant price hike. It reflects the true economic and business realities rather than just a random decision. Complaining won’t change anything because telecom operators must operate within a profit-driven system.”

Other Data Plans Also Affected

MTN has not only raised the price of its 15GB plan but also increased the cost of other data packages:

• 1.8GB monthly plan now N1,500 (previously N1,000 for 1.5GB)
• 20GB plan now N7,500 (previously N5,500)
• 15GB plan now N6,500 (previously N4,500)
• 90-day 1.5TB plan now N240,000 (previously N150,000)
• 600GB 90-day plan now N120,000 (previously N75,000)
• Two/three-month 100GB plan (previously N20,000) reduced to 90GB for N25,000
• 160GB plan (N30,000) adjusted to 150GB for N40,000

Other Telecom Operators Expected to Follow

Currently, Airtel and Globacom have yet to adjust their prices, but industry experts predict they will follow MTN’s lead soon. The NCC had approved the first major price hike in a decade on January 20, justifying it as necessary for operators to sustain investments in infrastructure, network quality, customer service, and coverage expansion.

However, telcos could not immediately implement price adjustments, as they awaited regulatory clearance.

Telecom Industry Prepares for Phased Price Increases

Speaking at an industry event on January 25, Gbenga Adebayo, Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecom Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), confirmed that a phased price adjustment would soon take effect.

“We are now following regulatory procedures of filing, reviewing, and obtaining approvals. Once those approvals come through, different players will introduce new rates as the time comes. Over the next week, we should start seeing some price adjustments,” he stated.

With the cost of telecom services now rising sharply, Nigerian consumers are left grappling with higher data expenses in an already challenging economic climate.