Nigeria’s largest telecommunications provider, MTN, has begun rolling out a 50% increase in data tariffs, following the approval granted by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) in January.
While call and SMS rates remain unchanged, the price adjustments are already reflected in various data plans. A senior MTN executive, who spoke anonymously, confirmed the development on Tuesday.
“Yes, we have started updating our price lists,” the source stated. “However, this process is gradual, and not all products have been adjusted yet.”
A review of MTN’s updated data plans shows significant price increases. The monthly 1.5GB plan, previously N1,000, has been replaced by a 1.8GB plan priced at N1,500. The 15GB digital plan has risen from N2000 to N6,500, while the 20GB plan now costs N7,500, up from N5,500.
Larger data bundles have seen even steeper increases. The 1.5 terabyte (TB) 90-day plan has jumped from N150,000 to N240,000, while the 600GB 90-day plan now costs N120,000, up from N75,000.
The NCC had announced the tariff hike on January 20, citing rising operational costs and the need to maintain the long-term viability of the telecom industry. According to the Commission’s Director of Public Affairs, Reuben Muoka, the decision aligns with the NCC’s regulatory mandate under Section 108 of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003.
However, the National Association of Telecommunications Subscribers (NATCOMS) has condemned the move and is threatening legal action. The association insists that the price hike should be capped at 10% instead of the approved 50%.
With the gradual implementation now underway, telecom subscribers across Nigeria are bracing for the full impact of the new pricing structure.