Angry Nigerians have taken to social media, especially X to pour out their frustrations in response to MTN Nigeria’s data subscription price hike of 200 percent.
This increase follows a 50 percent price increment approved by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
The new pricing structures reveals that MTN’s 1.8GB monthly data plan has risen to N1, 500, from a 1.5GB plan costing N1, 000.
The 20GB data plan now stands at N7, 500, a significant jump from the previous N5, 500, while the 15GB plan has increased to N6, 500 from N4, 500.
Additionally, Short Message Service (SMS) message charges have also been raised to N6.00 from N4.00.
While competitors like Airtel, Globacom, and 9mobile have not yet adjusted their data prices, the consensus among users is clear: there is frustration over the rising costs, particularly when service quality appears to remain inconsistent.
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Users expressed their concerns on social media, with some attributing the price hikes to increased government demands on telecommunications companies.
An X account user @Femi4yo said: “If they (MTN) or any telecommunication companies start charging higher, it means the government is asking for more from them.
“You will be a st#p!d person to think it is their fault. There is no fire without smoke.”
Others criticized MTN for prioritizing profit over service efficiency, citing ongoing issues like slow connections. The sentiment is that this drastic increase in data prices, particularly for essential data plans, is unsustainable for the average Nigerian.
Another X user @adaaotum said that “@MTNNG…The most annoying part is your shitty network, you are increasing the price to enhance serving who better?
“Why not work on the efficiency of your shitty network, hope y’all knows how unfortunate you are. Been having issues with very slow connection work on that too fools.”
Many subscribers are calling for MTN to reconsider this strategy, warning that customers may be forced to seek alternatives or cut back on their data usage.
@metublaze said: “MTN and DSTV are only here to make life difficult for Nigerians. @officialABAT look into this matter, see how this people are making your reign impossible to comprehend.”
@Afroconnect said: “This sudden price increase from ₦2, 000 to ₦6, 000 for 15GB is wild! How are people supposed to cope with such an outrageous hike? Internet access is essential for work, education, and staying connected, yet it’s being priced like a luxury.
“At this rate, users may be forced to look for alternatives or reduce their data consumption drastically. MTN really needs to reconsider this move because it’s not sustainable for the average Nigerian. What do you think about this development?”
