In early 2025, Nigeria’s telecommunications landscape underwent significant changes as major service providers—MTN, Airtel, Glo, and 9mobile—implemented substantial increases in their data tariffs.

These adjustments, some exceeding 200%, were introduced following the Nigerian Communications Commission’s (NCC) approval of a 50% tariff hike, aiming to address escalating operational costs faced by telecom operators.

NCC’s 50% Tariff Increase Approval

In January 2025, the NCC granted permission for a 50% increase in tariffs, responding to the telecom operators’ appeals to mitigate rising expenses and sustain service quality. This decision marked the first tariff adjustment since 2013, reflecting the need to balance operational costs with revenue generation.

MTN Nigeria

MTN Nigeria implemented extensive price adjustments across its data plans, with some popular offerings experiencing increases of up to 200%. Below is a detailed breakdown of the changes:

1. 15GB Digital Bundle Weekly Plan:

• Previous Price: ₦2,000

• New Price: ₦6,000

• Adjustment made: ₦3000 for 7gb

• Percentage Increase: 200%

2. 1.5TB 90-Day Plan:

• Previous Price: ₦150,000

• New Price: ₦240,000

• Percentage Increase: 60%

3. 100GB Monthly Plan:

• Previous Price: ₦20,000

• New Price: ₦25,000 (for 90GB)

• Percentage Increase: 25%

4. 600GB 90-Day Plan:

• Previous Price: ₦75,000

• New Price: ₦120,000 (for 480GB)

• Percentage Increase: 60%

5. 1.8GB Monthly Plan:

• Previous Price: ₦1,000

• New Price: ₦1,500

• Percentage Increase: 50%

6. 20GB Monthly Plan:

• Previous Price: ₦5,500

• New Price: ₦7,500

• Percentage Increase: 36%

7. 25GB Monthly Plan:

• Previous Price: ₦6,500

• New Price: ₦9,750

• Percentage Increase: 50%

8. 10GB Monthly Plan:

• Previous Price: ₦3,500

• New Price: ₦5,250

• Percentage Increase: 50%

9. 5GB Monthly Plan:

• Previous Price: ₦1,500

• New Price: ₦2,250

• Percentage Increase: 50%

10. 1GB Daily Plan:

• Previous Price: ₦350

• New Price: ₦525

• Percentage Increase: 50%

11. 5GB Tuesday Awoof Plan:

• Previous Price: ₦600

• New price: ₦900

• Percentage Increase: 50%

These adjustments and increase has led to consumer dissatisfaction, particularly due to the steep increases in high-capacity data plans.

Airtel Nigeria

Airtel Nigeria also revised its tariffs, affecting data, call, and SMS rates:

1. 23GB Monthly Plan:

• Previous Price: ₦6,000

• New Price: ₦9,000

• Percentage Increase: 50%

2. 10GB Monthly Plan:

• Previous Price: ₦3,000

• New Price: ₦4,500

• Percentage Increase: 50%

These changes prompted concerns among subscribers, especially regarding the affordability of essential data services.

Glo Nigeria

Glo Nigeria adjusted its tariffs in compliance with the NCC’s directive:

1. 24GB Monthly Plan:

• Previous Price: ₦5,000

• New Price: ₦7,500

• Percentage Increase: 50%

2. 10.8GB Monthly Plan:

• Previous Price: ₦2,500

• New Price: ₦3,000

• Percentage Increase: 20%

Glo’s competitive pricing strategy, even after the increase, continued to attract budget-conscious consumers. This has caused many to migrate to this service provider despite the slow network connection.

9mobile

9mobile implemented notable adjustments to its data plans:

1. 22GB Monthly Plan:

• Previous Price: ₦5,000

• New Price: ₦7,500

• Percentage Increase: 50%

MTN Nigeria’s Apology and Acknowledgment of Customer Dissatisfaction

Following the substantial price hikes, MTN Nigeria faced significant backlash from its subscribers. In response, the company issued an apology, acknowledging the abruptness of the increases and admitting to errors in their implementation.

In a statement addressing their “₦2000 for 15GB digital bundle lovers,” MTN expressed: “You dey vex. We know. We know how upsetting it must have been to suddenly wake up to a 200% increase on your favourite digital bundle.”

The company further admitted, “We don cast. We get it and admit it. Let’s just say na mistake.”

This candid acknowledgment aimed to mend the strained relationship with customers, emphasizing their importance to the company. MTN concluded with a plea for forgiveness.

“In this love season, don’t stay angry with us. Please forgive and forget. You matter, die and we will never stop showing you how much.” Despite the apology, MTN did not indicate any plans to reverse or adjust the new pricing structure, as it still remains the same.