MTN Reverses 200% Data Tariff Hike After Public Outrage

MTN Nigeria has backtracked on its controversial 200% data tariff increase following a wave of backlash from customers and pressure from the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC). The telecommunications giant apologized to subscribers and announced that it had reversed the price hike.

The reversal came after Organised Labour called on the Federal Government to sanction MTN for what it described as a violation of stakeholder agreements. Labour leaders insisted that such “acts of impunity” should not be tolerated.

On February 11, MTN raised the price of its 15GB data plan from ₦4,500 to ₦6,500, while the 20GB plan jumped from ₦5,500 to ₦7,500. Larger data packages saw even steeper increases, with the 1.5TB 90-day plan surging from ₦150,000 to ₦240,000, and the 600GB 90-day plan rising from ₦75,000 to ₦120,000. In addition, SMS charges increased from ₦4 to ₦6 per message.

The price adjustments sparked widespread anger, with many Nigerians accusing MTN of exploiting customers during an already challenging economic period. Social media platforms were flooded with complaints, with some users vowing to switch to other networks.

A Lagos-based MTN user, Chidi Okafor, said the increase was unacceptable. “How can they just wake up one morning and raise prices by 200%? We are struggling with high fuel prices and inflation, and now this? It’s daylight robbery!”

Another customer, Fatima Abdullahi, added, “I depend on data for my business, and this sudden price hike would have crippled me. MTN is not considerate at all.”

Following the outrage, MTN posted a statement on its official X (formerly Twitter) account, acknowledging customers’ frustrations.

“To our 15GB digital bundle lovers, we know you’re upset. We understand how frustrating it must have been to wake up to a 200% increase on your favorite bundle,” the company said.

In an informal and apologetic tone, MTN admitted it had made a mistake. “We could give explanations, but omo, all that one na story. We don cast. We get it and admit it. Let’s just say na mistake,” the company stated.

Appealing for forgiveness, especially during the Valentine’s season, MTN added, “In this love season, don’t stay angry with us. Please forgive and forget. You matter, die, and we will never stop showing you how much.”

Despite the reversal, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has insisted that MTN should face sanctions. A labour leader, who spoke on condition of anonymity, criticized the company’s actions.

“We are demanding that the government sanctions MTN for its impunity and rascality,” he said. “This is an insult to the government of Nigeria. What they did here, they would never dare to do in South Africa. It doesn’t matter if they have withdrawn the tariff or not. The act itself should not be tolerated.”

The labour leader also warned of economic and security risks if telecom operators continue to increase prices arbitrarily. “The irresponsible act by MTN, while a joint committee of government and Labour is still working, should be condemned by the appropriate authorities to ensure it does not happen again.”

MTN’s decision to increase data tariffs came amid broader cost adjustments within Nigeria’s telecommunications sector. The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) recently approved a 50% tariff adjustment for telecom operators, citing rising operational costs.

However, while MTN swiftly implemented the hike, its competitors—Airtel, Globacom, and 9mobile—have yet to follow suit. This led to speculation that MTN might have acted prematurely, ignoring ongoing negotiations between the Federal Government and Organised Labour.

In response to the tariff hike, the NLC had earlier threatened a nationwide shutdown of telecommunications services starting March 1, 2025, if MTN and other telecom operators failed to revert to their previous prices.

To protest the increases, the Labour movement called for a daily boycott of MTN, Airtel, and Globacom services between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. from February 11 until the end of the month. The NLC also urged Nigerians to suspend purchasing data from the telecom companies as part of the resistance strategy.

With MTN reversing its price hike, it remains unclear whether Airtel, Glo, and 9mobile will still implement their NCC-approved 50% tariff adjustment. For now, customers have welcomed the reversal but remain wary of future price increases.