Nigerians are reeling from steep hikes in mobile data prices by MTN and Airtel, two of the country’s largest telecom providers, exacerbating an already dire economic situation.
MTN, the nation’s biggest network, has tripled the cost of its 15GB weekly bundle from 2,000 naira ($1.33) to 6,000 naira ($3.99), while Airtel has also raised its tariffs. Many Nigerians, already struggling with rising living costs, have expressed their frustration, with some accusing the companies of worsening the nation’s financial hardship.
The price hikes come despite the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) recently approving a tariff adjustment that was supposed to cap increases at 50%. However, some of the price increases appear to have breached this cap, raising concerns over regulatory oversight.
Neither the NCC nor Airtel have responded officially to the growing backlash, leaving subscribers feeling abandoned and outraged. MTN, meanwhile, defended the price hikes, claiming they were necessary to ensure better service delivery, though many users remain unconvinced.
Small businesses and young entrepreneurs, heavily reliant on affordable internet access, are among the hardest hit. Digital creator Mubarak Uniquepikin warned that the price increase could jeopardize many businesses that have transitioned online due to the high cost of physical spaces. As inflation soars and other economic reforms under President Bola Tinubu’s administration continue to strain Nigerians, the latest telecom price hikes have only deepened the sense of financial instability, leaving many to question how much longer they can endure.