Amid plans by both the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) to protest proposed price hikes on data and voice calls by Nigerian telecommunication companies, MTN Nigeria, a leading telecommunications provider, has implemented a substantial increase in its data tariffs.
MTN confirmed the price adjustment in a post on its X (formerly Twitter) account on Tuesday morning: “Y’ello! Thanks for stopping by. We apologize for any inconvenience and delayed response. A price increase has been implemented to enhance our services and serve you better, which is why you are seeing the updated amount.”
READ ALSO | MTN Boss Signals Tariff Increase, Says Its To Avert Telecom Industry Collapse
Previously, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) had given the go-ahead to the telecommunication companies for tariff increases. NCC spokesperson, Reuben Mouka, explained in January that the commission had granted approval for the tariff hike, as empowered to do so under Section 108 of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003.
According to Mouka, the adjustment allows a maximum increase of 50% on current tariffs, a compromise from the over 100% hike initially requested by some network operators. “The adjustment, capped at a maximum of 50% of current tariffs, though lower than the over 100% requested by some network operators, was arrived at taking into account ongoing industry reforms that will positively influence sustainability,” Mouka stated.
New Tariff Takes Effect
Subscribers discovered on Tuesday that MTN had increased the cost of data bundles by approximately 200%.
Under the new pricing structure, the 1.8GB monthly plan now costs ₦1,500, up from the previous 1.5GB plan priced at ₦1,000. The 20GB plan has risen to ₦7,500 from ₦5,500, and the 15GB plan now costs ₦6,500, an increase from ₦4,500. Larger data bundles have seen even steeper increases; for instance, the 90-day 1.5TB plan has jumped from ₦150,000 to ₦240,000, while the 600GB 90-day plan has risen from ₦75,000 to ₦120,000.
Other affected plans include the 100GB bundle, now ₦25,000 for 90GB (previously ₦20,000 for 100GB), and the 600GB bundle, which has increased from ₦75,000 to ₦120,000 for 480GB.
Telco’s To Face Pushback on Tariff Hike
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) had rejected the planned tariff hike, describing it as “insensitive” and “unjustifiable,” and has announced plans for a nationwide protest.
The union demands the immediate suspension of the tariff adjustment and calls for dialogue between the government, the regulator, and union leaders.
READ ALSO | Nigerian Workers Union Plan Nationwide Protest Over Telecom Tariff Increase
Subscribers are strongly resisting the price hike, citing already difficult economic conditions. The telecommunication companies argue that inflation from higher energy costs threatens their survival without a price adjustment on telecom services.
No announcement of price adjustments has been made by other telecommunication companies, perhaps awaiting customer feedback and reaction to MTN’s move.
Many users have taken to social media to express their dissatisfaction with the new prices, calling on the company to reconsider the increase.
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