The House of Representatives has urged the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to halt the impending increase in telecommunications tariffs until service quality significantly improves. This decision follows growing discontent among telecom subscribers, many of whom have begun switching to alternative network providers due to MTN Nigeria’s abrupt hike in data and SMS tariffs.
House of Reps Moves to Protect Consumers
The House’s position was established after the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance, presented by Hon. Obuku Oforji, who represents Yenagoa/Kolokuma/Opokuma Federal Constituency of Bayelsa State. During the plenary session, Oforji cited statements made by the minister during a stakeholders’ meeting with mobile network operators in Abuja on January 8, 2025. The minister acknowledged ongoing consultations regarding a tariff hike, driven by demands from telecom companies seeking increases as high as 100 percent.
While the minister assured that the increase would not reach the full 100 percent mark, he emphasized that the NCC would oversee and approve any adjustments in due course. The rationale provided by telecom firms for the proposed hike includes the rising cost of investment, the need for improved network infrastructure, and increasing digital service demands across vital sectors such as education, banking, and healthcare.
However, the National Association of Telecoms Subscribers has strongly opposed the proposal, labeling it as “insensitive” given the prevailing economic hardships and persistent issues of poor network quality. Oforji stressed the importance of prioritizing service improvements before any tariff adjustments, a demand echoed by millions of Nigerian telecom users.
MTN Faces Subscriber Backlash Over Sudden Tariff Hike
In a related development, MTN Nigeria has implemented a significant increase in data and SMS rates, causing a mass shift among subscribers to alternative network providers. Reports indicate that data plans have surged by up to 50 percent. For instance, the 15GB plan, previously priced at N4,500, now costs N6,500, while the 20GB plan has increased from N5,500 to N7,500. For larger packages, the 1.5TB 90-day plan has skyrocketed from N150,000 to N240,000, and the 600GB 90-day plan now costs N120,000, up from N75,000. SMS charges have also risen from N4 to N6 per message.
Public Outrage and Social Media Reactions
The steep price hike has triggered widespread frustration among Nigerians, with many voicing their discontent on social media. One user, @not_ahmedjunior, lamented: “The 15GB data plan that used to cost N2,000 is now N6,000. This is unbearable for the average Nigerian.”
Another user, @official_GZU, argued that the price adjustments reflect Nigeria’s economic realities, stating, “Telecom operators are businesses operating within a profit-driven system. Prices are influenced by inflation, currency devaluation, and market dynamics.”
Further fueling dissatisfaction, media reports indicate that MTN has discontinued its “Hot Deals” (*121#) package, which previously offered discounted data plans. The move has left many subscribers feeling shortchanged, as the price adjustment exceeded the 50 percent hike reportedly approved by the Federal Government. Additionally, customers were caught off guard, as the price increase took effect earlier than anticipated, despite ongoing discussions with the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC).
Calls for Regulatory Intervention
As frustration mounts, many subscribers have called on MTN to reconsider its decision, with some advocating for a boycott. Twitter user @Silva remarked: “Nigeria is a difficult place to live in. MTN suddenly increasing weekly 15GB data from 2K to 6K without prior warning is outrageous. That’s 24K per month—almost the country’s minimum wage, just on data.”
Another critic, @neefenawti, blamed the government’s lack of price control measures, stating, “I won’t even blame MTN. In a country where the president does not believe in price regulation, what do you expect? The government is watching as people sink further into poverty.”
With MTN’s competitors—Airtel, Globacom, and 9mobile—yet to announce similar hikes, speculation is rife about whether rival firms will follow suit or if customers will shift their loyalty to more affordable alternatives.
As the situation unfolds, Nigerians are calling for urgent regulatory intervention to ensure fair pricing and transparency within the telecom industry. The coming weeks will determine whether authorities will heed these calls or if consumers will be left bearing the brunt of these financial burdens.
