MTN Nigeria has bowed to public pressure and reversed its recent 200% increase in the price of its 15GB data bundle. The telecommunications giant had initially raised the price of the plan from N2,000 to N6,000, a move that sparked outrage among subscribers who rely on affordable internet access for work, education, and daily communication.
The price hike, which was implemented earlier in the week, triggered a wave of criticism on social media, with many Nigerians expressing their frustration over the sudden increase. Customers lamented that internet access was becoming a luxury rather than a necessity, especially at a time when economic hardship is already taking a toll on households and businesses. The backlash was swift, forcing MTN to issue an apology to its subscribers.
In a message sent out on Thursday, the telecom company acknowledged the negative reaction and admitted that the increase was not well-handled. MTN assured its customers that it had taken their concerns seriously. “You dey vex. We know how upsetting it must have been to suddenly wake up to a 200 per cent increase on your favourite digital bundle,” the company stated. The message reflected an unusual tone of humility, with the company opting to refrain from offering a detailed explanation for the price adjustment. Instead, MTN admitted fault, saying, “We could share several reasons, and provide explanations, but omo, all that one na story. We don cast. We get it and admit it. Let’s just say na mistake.”
The reversal of the price hike comes amid growing concerns over the rising cost of telecom services in Nigeria. The move had followed the Nigerian Communications Commission’s (NCC) approval of a 50% tariff adjustment for telecom operators, but many Nigerians found it difficult to understand why MTN’s increase was four times the approved adjustment. This led to widespread suspicion that the company was taking advantage of the situation to impose excessive charges on customers.
Social media was flooded with complaints from frustrated users who described the price hike as exploitative and insensitive. A Twitter user, @AfrokonnectNG, expressed concerns over the affordability of data services, stating, “Internet access is essential for work, education, and staying connected, yet it’s being priced like a luxury. MTN really needs to reconsider this move.” Another user, @limasyre, pointed out the inconsistency in the pricing, stating, “A 50 per cent hike is supposed to be N3,000, not N6,000.” The widespread backlash put significant pressure on MTN to respond swiftly.
Before reversing the hike, MTN initially defended its decision, explaining that the price adjustment was necessary due to rising operational costs and the need to enhance service quality. The company’s CEO, Karl Toriola, had assured subscribers that the increase was intended to improve network infrastructure and customer experience. However, customers were not convinced, as many argued that service quality had already been declining despite previous price increments.
Meanwhile, other major telecom operators such as Airtel and Glo have not yet implemented similar price hikes. However, industry analysts predict that they might follow suit in the coming weeks, potentially leading to a broader adjustment in data and call rates across Nigeria’s telecom sector. If other telecom providers choose to raise their prices, Nigerians could face a significant increase in the cost of communication, which could further strain household budgets.
For now, MTN’s decision to roll back the increase has provided relief to millions of Nigerians who depend on affordable data for their daily needs. However, concerns remain about the future of telecom pricing in the country, as companies continue to face economic pressures that could lead to further price adjustments in the near future. Customers will be watching closely to see if MTN and other telecom firms introduce more sustainable pricing strategies that balance affordability with service improvement.