Telcom Operators Are Cheating Nigerians by 65% Over 1GB Data

Beyond the price hike, telecom providers have reduced their data plan options and discontinued promotional bundles, making it even harder for consumers to afford internet access.

Telecom Tariffs Rise Sharply in 2025

Nigerian telecom consumers are now paying 65.22% more for 1GB of data following a tariff hike implemented in January 2025. The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) approved a 50% increase in call, data, and SMS tariffs, marking the first major price adjustment in over a decade.

This move, which operators have long demanded due to rising economic pressures, has significantly impacted consumers.

Breakdown of New Tariffs

The new pricing structure has seen the cost of:

Calls rise from N6.40 to N9.60 per minute
SMS increase from N4 to N6 per message
1GB of data jump from N287.50 to N431.25

A price comparison across major telecom operators shows the following changes:

Airtel: Increased 1GB from N350 to N500
MTN: Increased 1GB from N200 to N350
Glo: Raised 1GB from N300 to N750, replacing it with a 1.1GB bundle
9mobile: Prices remain at N300 for 1GB

Consumer Backlash and Hardship

Many Nigerians have expressed frustration over the sharp price increase, especially at a time when digital services are more essential than ever. The outrage was particularly pronounced when MTN raised its 15GB weekly data plan from N2,000 to N6,000.

Social media was flooded with complaints:

@TheSilvapr: “MTN waking up one day to increase their weekly 15GB data from 2k to 6k without prior warning is madness. That’s 24k a month, almost the country’s minimum wage, just for data.”
@official_GZU: “MTN increasing the cost of its 15GB data plan is not random; it reflects harsh economic realities. Complaining won’t change anything.”

Following the backlash, MTN was forced to discontinue the 15GB weekly plan and issue an apology.

Higher Costs, Fewer Data Options

Beyond the price hike, telecom providers have reduced their data plan options and discontinued promotional bundles, making it even harder for consumers to afford internet access.

John Felix, a subscriber, lamented: “I used to recharge N1,500 and use it for over a week. Now, the same amount lasts just three days. I have to spend much more just to maintain my usual data usage.”

Another user, Lolade Akinyemi, shared: “I spend more than double on data now. It’s hard to keep up.”

Regulatory and Legal Pushback

Consumer advocacy groups have taken action against the price increase.

The National Association of Telecoms Subscribers (NATCOMS) has filed a legal challenge against the tariff hike, arguing it imposes unnecessary hardship on Nigerians already struggling with inflation.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has also threatened to stage protests over rising data costs.

NATCOMS President, Adeolu Ogunbanjo, condemned the increase, saying: “This tariff hike has worsened the economic burden on Nigerians. Many are now cutting back on basic telecom needs.”

Telecom Operators Justify Price Hike

READ ALSO: NCC Clarifies: No Telecom Tariff Hikes, Focus on Transparency

Despite public opposition, telecom companies insist that the increase was necessary to sustain their operations amid Nigeria’s tough economic conditions.

MTN’s Chief Operating Officer, Ayham Moussa, acknowledged a temporary dip in data usage but remains optimistic: “It’s normal to see a drop in customer usage at first, but we expect recovery. Data remains critical for the economy and people’s daily lives.”

The Bigger Picture

Nigeria accounts for 29% of Africa’s internet consumption, and improved access to digital services has contributed to reducing extreme poverty by 7% over the past three years, according to the World Bank.

However, NATCOMS and the NLC warn that rising data costs could reverse these gains by making internet access unaffordable for many Nigerians.

The NCC defended the tariff hike, stating: “We recognize the financial strain on Nigerian households, but these adjustments ensure the long-term sustainability of the industry, support local businesses, and drive digital economy growth.”