The House of Representatives has directed the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to halt the proposed increase in telecommunications tariffs until service quality improves.
This decision follows growing dissatisfaction among subscribers, particularly after MTN Nigeria abruptly raised its data and SMS tariffs, prompting many to switch to alternative network providers.
During a plenary session, the House adopted a motion of urgent public importance moved by Hon. Obuku Oforji, representing Yenagoa/Kolokuma/Opokuma federal constituency in Bayelsa State. Oforji noted that after a stakeholders’ meeting on January 8, 2025, the minister revealed that telecom operators had pushed for a tariff increase of up to 100%, though a lower adjustment was being considered by the NCC.
He argued that before any price hike, telecom operators must first improve their services, as poor network quality has remained a major complaint among Nigerians.
“The National Association of Telecoms Subscribers has rejected the proposed increase in tariffs, describing it as insensitive and an additional burden on consumers already struggling with economic hardship and poor network services,” Oforji stated.
The lawmaker warned that higher tariffs would worsen financial struggles, deepen poverty, and widen inequalities, especially for low-income Nigerians.
Subscribers Dump MTN Over Sudden Price Hike
Amidst this controversy, MTN Nigeria has implemented a tariff adjustment of up to 50% on its data and SMS plans, sparking public outrage.
Reports indicate that MTN’s 15GB data plan has increased from N4,500 to N6,500, while the 20GB plan now costs N7,500 instead of N5,500. The price hike is even more severe for larger plans, with the 1.5TB 90-day package rising from N150,000 to N240,000, and the 600GB 90-day plan jumping from N75,000 to N120,000. SMS rates have also increased from N4 to N6 per message.
The unexpected price surge has led to widespread frustration, with subscribers taking to social media to express their dissatisfaction.
A Twitter user, @not_ahmedjunior, lamented: “It’s nearly impossible for the average Nigerian to progress. The 15GB data plan that used to cost N2,000 is now N6,000.”
Another user, @official_GZU, pointed out that the hike reflects Nigeria’s economic struggles rather than a random decision: “Complaining won’t change anything because telecom operators operate within a profit-driven system. Prices are influenced by inflation, currency devaluation, and market forces.”
Adding to the frustration, MTN has reportedly discontinued its “Hot Deals” package (*121#), which previously offered discounted data plans. This move has left many customers feeling shortchanged, with some calling for a boycott.
@Khan tweeted: “I think it’s high time we boycotted MTN. Their network is terrible, and their data plans are a rip-off. The 15GB package doesn’t even last three days.”
Meanwhile, @Silva criticized the telecom provider for the unexpected hike, saying: “MTN waking up one day to increase their weekly 15GB data from N2,000 to N6,000 is insanity. That’s N24,000 per month—almost the minimum wage of the country spent on data. This is hell.”
With other telecom operators like Airtel, Globacom, and 9mobile yet to announce similar hikes, subscribers are speculating whether MTN’s move will trigger similar adjustments or lead to a shift in customer loyalty.
As the backlash grows, Nigerians are calling for urgent regulatory intervention to prevent excessive price increases and ensure telecom services remain affordable.
