MTN Nigeria, a leading telecommunications provider, has implemented immediate increases to its call and Short Message Service (SMS) rates.
Under the new tariff, customers on the XtraSpecial package will now pay 22 kobo per second for calls to all networks and 6 naira per SMS, significantly exceeding the 50% increase approved by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
“Y’ello! Enjoy calls at 22 kobo per second to all networks and SMS at 6 naira per message on XtraSpecial,” says the message sent to subscribers.
This new pricing marks a 100% increase for calls, which previously cost 11 kobo per second, while SMS charges have risen by 50%, up from 4 naira per message.
This adjustment follows the NCC’s approval for a tariff increase for telecom operators, citing the prevailing market conditions.
Reuben Mouka, spokesperson for the NCC, announced this decision in January, clarifying that it falls within the commission’s regulatory authority under Section 108 of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003.
According to Mouka, the new regulation permits a maximum tariff increase of 50%, a reduction from the over 100% hike initially sought by some network operators.
“The adjustment, limited to a maximum of 50% of current tariffs—although less than the over 100% proposed by certain operators—was made with consideration of ongoing industry reforms that aim to enhance sustainability,” Mouka stated.
