MTN Data Price Hike: From ₦2,000 to ₦6,000 

MTN Nigeria has increased its data prices, marking the beginning of a broader telecom tariff adjustment recently approved by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). The change, which was initially framed as a 50% hike, has triggered outrage as users discover that some of their regular data plans have tripled in price.

For millions of Nigerians, mobile data isn’t just an expense—it’s a necessity. It powers businesses, connects families, and provides a window to the world. But with this sudden price surge, many now feel like they are being priced out of basic connectivity.

The New Reality: Higher Costs, No Warning

MTN’s updated pricing structure shows significant jumps across its data plans:

• The 1.8GB monthly plan now costs ₦1,500, replacing the 1.5GB plan that was previously ₦1,000.
• The 20GB plan has moved up to ₦7,500, from ₦5,500.
• The 15GB plan now costs ₦6,500, up from ₦4,500.
• Text messages, previously ₦4, are now charged at ₦6 across all networks.

And while MTN is the first to implement the changes, Airtel, Globacom, and 9mobile are expected to follow suit in the coming days.

For users, the frustration isn’t just about the numbers—it’s about the lack of preparation. “Imagine waking up and seeing that your 15GB weekly plan has jumped from ₦2,000 to ₦6,000 without prior warning,” a frustrated user posted on X. “That’s ₦24,000 per month, almost Nigeria’s minimum wage, just on data. This is insane!”

Image source: X

The Backstory: Why Are Prices Increasing?

The NCC announced the 50% tariff adjustment on January 20, citing rising operational costs and the need to sustain the telecom industry. According to the commission, Nigeria’s telecom sector has been operating under static pricing since 2013, despite inflation, currency devaluation, and rising infrastructure costs.

The move was backed by the Presidency, which stated that the approval does not automatically enforce an increase. Instead, it gives telecom operators the option to adjust their pricing if necessary.

“It is important to highlight that this approval does not mean automatic increases in tariffs. Operators are free to maintain their current rates if they find them sustainable,” the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Media Centre clarified.

Yet, as MTN’s latest price changes show, telecom companies are taking full advantage of the new flexibility—and in some cases, exceeding the approved 50% increase.

Subscriber Backlash: “This Isn’t 50%, It’s 200–300%”

As customers analyze the new pricing, many argue that what they’re seeing isn’t a 50% increase at all.

“If a 15GB weekly plan that used to be ₦2,000 is now ₦6,000, that’s a 200% increase, not 50%,” another user pointed out.

The National Association of Telecommunications Subscribers (NATCOMS) has already signaled its intent to challenge the tariff hike in court, arguing that the decision was made without proper consultation with consumers.

The Bigger Picture: A Costly Shift for Nigerians

The impact of these price hikes extends beyond individual users. Small businesses that rely on affordable internet access are particularly vulnerable. Entrepreneurs, students, and remote workers are now forced to recalculate their budgets, as the cost of staying online has tripled overnight.

For years, Nigeria’s telecom industry has been one of the most competitive and affordable in Africa. Mobile data penetration has driven innovation, education, and commerce. However, with these new pricing structures, many fear that access to the internet could once again become a luxury rather than a basic utility.

What’s Next?

• Will other telecom operators match or exceed MTN’s new pricing? So far, they are expected to adjust, but how far they’ll go remains to be seen.
• Will NCC respond to public outrage? The regulator is yet to address concerns about excessive price increases.
• Will users adapt or protest? Many Nigerians are already considering alternative data-saving strategies, from WiFi hotspots to SIM rotation and reducing internet usage altogether.

For now, one thing is clear: Nigeria’s telecom industry is entering a new era, and for millions of users, it’s an expensive one.