Nigerian telecom giants face backlash over dramatic data price increases

A wave of public outrage has erupted across Nigeria as leading telecom providers MTN and Airtel implement steep data price increases amid mounting economic challenges. MTN, the country’s largest network operator, has tripled its popular 15GB weekly bundle price from 2,000 to 6,000 naira, sparking fierce criticism from subscribers already grappling with soaring living costs.

The price hikes, which appear to exceed the Nigeria Communications Commission’s approved 50% cap on tariff adjustments, have particularly impacted small businesses and young entrepreneurs dependent on affordable internet access. Digital creators and online business owners warn of severe consequences for Nigeria’s growing digital economy, where many have shifted to online operations to avoid expensive physical retail spaces.

The timing coincides with broader economic struggles, as President Bola Tinubu’s administration grapples with record-high inflation, fuel subsidy removal, and currency devaluation.

While MTN defends the changes as necessary for service improvement, subscribers flood social media with complaints about the burden on their already stretched budgets.

Globacom, the nation’s third-largest network, has maintained its current pricing, offering some relief to consumers. The controversy highlights the growing tension between corporate profitability and public accessibility in Nigeria’s telecommunications sector, with many calling for regulatory intervention to protect consumer interests.