In a dramatic turn of events, MTN Nigeria, one of the country’s leading telecommunications giants, has reversed its recent 200% increase in data tariffs, following widespread backlash from subscribers, industry stakeholders, and regulatory bodies. The decision, which had sparked outrage across various social media platforms, forced the telco to issue a public apology while assuring customers of its commitment to affordability and quality service.
Shortly after MTN implemented the controversial tariff hike, social media erupted with complaints, with thousands of Nigerians taking to Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and LinkedIn to express their dissatisfaction. The hashtag #BoycottMTN trended for hours, with many users calling for mass migration to rival networks.
“This is daylight robbery! How do you increase data prices by 200% when people are already struggling with the cost of living?” – @NaijaConsumerVoice (X)
“MTN thinks we don’t have options? Watch Nigerians switch to other networks en masse!” – @GidiTechGuru (Instagram)
“The NCC needs to intervene. This is exploitation!” – @BusinessTalkNigeria (LinkedIn)
Faced with mounting pressure and regulatory scrutiny, MTN was left with no choice but to reconsider its decision.
In response to the outrage, MTN Nigeria released an official statement, acknowledging customers’ concerns and announcing a reversal of the tariff hike. The statement read:
“We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused by the recent adjustments in our data pricing structure. We have listened to our esteemed subscribers and, in line with our commitment to delivering affordable and quality services, we have decided to revert to our previous pricing model.”
The company further assured customers that it remains dedicated to providing affordable, high-speed data services while complying with regulatory guidelines.
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the House of Representatives Committee on Telecommunications had earlier expressed concerns over the tariff increase, with lawmakers directing the Minister of Communications and the NCC to intervene and halt any unilateral price hikes by telecom operators.
Speaking on the matter, a member of the House of Representatives stated:
“It is unacceptable for telecom operators to impose such exorbitant price hikes without adequate justification. Nigerians are already burdened by inflation, and an increase in data tariffs only worsens the situation.”
Following the intervention of regulatory bodies, MTN’s decision to reverse the increase was widely seen as a necessary move to avoid further sanctions.
With the tariff reversal, subscribers can now breathe a sigh of relief as data prices return to their previous rates. However, the incident has raised concerns about the transparency of pricing structures in the telecommunications sector. Many Nigerians are now calling for better regulatory oversight to prevent future arbitrary price increases.
While MTN has apologized and reversed the hike, industry analysts speculate that this may not be the last attempt at data price adjustments. Rising operational costs, inflation, and forex challenges continue to impact telecom companies in Nigeria. Experts warn that future data price increases may still be on the horizon, albeit through a more gradual and strategic approach.
MTN’s rapid backpedaling on the data tariff hike underscores the power of consumer voices in Nigeria’s digital age. Social media activism, regulatory intervention, and public outcry have once again proven effective in holding corporate entities accountable.
