The House of Representatives has asked the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to suspend the planned increase in telecommunications tariffs until service quality improves.
This decision comes as many subscribers switch to alternative network providers following a sharp rise in MTN Nigeria’s data and SMS prices.
The call was made during a plenary session after a motion of urgent public importance was moved by Hon. Obuku Oforji, representing Yenagoa/Kolokuma/Opokuma Federal Constituency of Bayelsa State.
Oforji referenced a statement by the minister during a stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja on January 8, 2025, where he hinted at an upcoming tariff increase. He noted that telecom companies have been pushing for higher rates, citing rising operational costs, increased demand for digital services and network expansion needs.
However, the National Association of Telecoms Subscribers has rejected the proposed hike, calling it unfair given the country’s economic challenges and the already poor network service. Oforji emphasized that telecom companies should first improve their services before considering a price increase.
He also warned that the new rates could worsen financial hardships, deepen poverty and slow Nigeria’s digital economy growth, affecting education, banking and healthcare services.
MTN Nigeria has sparked outrage among subscribers after increasing data and SMS prices by up to 50%. Many customers have begun switching to other network providers in response.
Reports indicate that the 15GB data plan now costs ₦6,500, up from ₦4,500, while the 20GB plan increased from ₦5,500 to ₦7,500. For larger plans, the 1.5TB 90-day package jumped from ₦150,000 to ₦240,000 and the 600GB plan rose from ₦75,000 to ₦120,000. SMS rates have also increased from ₦4 to ₦6 per message.
The sudden price adjustment has triggered backlash on social media, with many users criticizing MTN for making data unaffordable. Some customers accused the telecom giant of worsening economic hardship, while others called for a boycott.
Adding to the frustration, reports suggest that MTN has discontinued its “Hot Deals” package (*121#), which previously offered discounted data plans.
Many subscribers have urged the government to intervene and regulate telecom pricing to ensure affordability and transparency. Meanwhile, other major networks, Airtel, Globacom and 9mobile are yet to announce similar price hikes, leaving customers wondering if they will follow MTN’s lead or capitalize on the situation to attract new users.