Lagos, Nigeria — MTN Nigeria reversed its controversial 200% tariff hike on the 15GB data plan after widespread backlash from customers and an industrial action declared by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) against telecommunications operators. This decision followed the NLC’s call for the Federal Government to sanction MTN for allegedly violating stakeholders’ agreements and ignoring Nigeria’s labour laws.
“We could give explanations, but all that one na story. We don cast. We get it and admit it. Let’s just say na mistake.”
MTN Apologizes and Reverts Price Increase
On February 11, 2025, MTN raised the price of its 15GB data plan from N4,500 to N6,500, while the 20GB plan surged from N5,500 to N7,500. Larger data plans, including the 1.5TB and 600GB 90-day packages, also saw substantial price hikes. The company also increased SMS rates from N4 to N6 per message. The price increases, amid rising operational costs within the telecommunications sector, sparked outrage across Nigeria.
In response, MTN apologized publicly on its official X account, acknowledging the frustration caused by the price hike. “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 stated. “We could give explanations, but all that one na story. We don cast. We get it and admit it. Let’s just say na mistake.”
MTN appealed to customer loyalty, especially during the Valentine season, urging subscribers to forgive the company: “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.”
Mixed Reactions to MTN’s Price Reversal
While many customers welcomed MTN’s apology, others criticized the company for the initial hike, deeming it unjustifiable given Nigeria’s economic challenges. Despite the reversal, the damage had been done, and trust in the company had been shaken. Many questioned the need for such a steep increase, especially when competitors like Airtel, Globacom, and 9mobile had not yet implemented similar changes.
Labour Calls for Sanctions
The NLC, which had already expressed outrage over the hike in tariffs by telecommunications companies, intensified its calls for the Federal Government to sanction MTN. Organised Labour described MTN’s actions as “an act of impunity and rascality” that the country should not tolerate. A labour leader, who spoke on condition of anonymity, further demanded that the government sanction MTN for violating agreements and ignoring the nation’s labour laws.
“We have observed that, over time, MTN has developed a habit of not adhering to agreements reached with Organised Labour in the telecommunications sector,” the labour leader stated. “They do not respect the nation’s labour laws. What they do here in Nigeria, they would not dare it in South Africa.”
A Call for Immediate Action
The NLC’s stance has been firm. The union directed its members and willing citizens to boycott MTN, Airtel, and GLO from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily, starting from February 13, 2025, and continuing until the end of the month. Additionally, they warned of a nationwide shutdown of telecommunications operations starting March 1, 2025, should the companies fail to revert to the old tariff structure.
The Federal Government, having previously convened a meeting with the NLC and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), faces pressure to act. The government is expected to address the issue and decide on the next steps within the coming days.
The Broader Impact on the Telecommunications Sector
MTN’s tariff increase was part of broader industry adjustments, with telecom operators receiving approval from the NCC for a 50% tariff hike due to rising operational costs. However, while MTN proceeded with the increase, other operators have yet to follow suit. The situation has sparked a broader debate about pricing strategies in the Nigerian telecommunications industry and the role of the government in regulating these hikes.
A Storm of Controversy
The events surrounding MTN’s tariff hike and subsequent reversal have highlighted the volatile relationship between Nigeria’s telecom operators and their customers. As the NLC continues to press for action, the Federal Government will need to ensure that any future price changes are fair, transparent, and in line with agreements made with stakeholders. Whether MTN’s apology will restore consumer trust remains to be seen, but it’s clear that the fallout from this incident will have lasting effects on the telecom landscape in Nigeria
