Nigeria’s leading telecommunications company, MTN, has issued a public apology following an intense public backlash over its abrupt decision to increase the price of its popular 15GB weekly data bundle by 200%.
Customers who previously paid N2,000 for the plan were shocked to find the cost had risen to N6,000, leading to widespread outrage on social media.
The price adjustment, which took effect on Wednesday, 7th February 2025, was met with immediate resistance from subscribers, many of whom expressed frustration over the lack of prior notice.
As the outrage grew, MTN took to its social media platforms on Thursday, 8th February 2025, to offer an apology in an informal and conversational tone, acknowledging the distress caused by the price increase.
The abrupt change in data pricing particularly affected subscribers who rely on MTN’s affordable data bundles for work, studies, and entertainment. The increase from N2,000 to N6,000 for a weekly 15GB plan represented a 200% rise, which many customers deemed excessive.
The decision to hike data prices is believed to be linked to the Nigerian Communications Commission’s approval of a 50% increase in telecom tariffs in January 2025. For more details, refer to ThisDay Newspaper’s report on telecom tariffs.
However, MTN’s specific hike far exceeded this approved margin, making it a focal point of public discontent.
Social media platforms were flooded with complaints from users who described the move as exploitative and insensitive to the current economic hardships in Nigeria. Many customers demanded an immediate reversal of the increase, with some calling for a boycott of MTN services.
A trending hashtag, #MTNDataScam, gained traction as thousands of Nigerians criticised the company for what they saw as a betrayal of loyal customers. Some users also pointed out that MTN did not provide a clear justification for the steep increase, further fuelling the frustration.
Responding to the backlash, MTN Nigeria issued an apology message on its official social media pages. The message read:
“To our 15GB digital bundle lovers. You dey vex. We know. We know how upsetting it must have been to suddenly wake up to a 200% increase on your favourite digital bundle. We could share several reasons and provide explanations, but omo, all that one na story. We don cast. We get it and admit it. Let’s just say na mistake.”
In an attempt to soften the impact of the controversy, MTN further appealed to customers, referencing the Valentine’s Day season and urging them to “forgive and forget.” The company added:
“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. Let’s continue our relationship. Thank you for your understanding.”
Despite this lighthearted approach, many customers remained unsatisfied, demanding more than just an apology but also a reduction in the new pricing.
While MTN has taken the lead in implementing higher data tariffs, it is expected that Airtel, Globacom, and 9mobile may follow suit.
The Nigeria Labour Congress has strongly condemned the price hike, describing it as an unjustifiable exploitation of Nigerians. The union asked for immediate reversal of the tariff increase and threatened to mobilise a nationwide protest if telecom operators continued with the hikes.
The NLC’s statement read:
“The recent increase in data prices by MTN is unacceptable and goes against the economic interests of Nigerian citizens. We demand an immediate reversal of these exploitative charges, failing which we will take necessary action to protect consumers from corporate greed.”
References
- MTN Official Website: www.mtn.ng
- Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC): www.ncc.gov.ng
- Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Statement on Data Tariffs: www.nlcng.org
- Social Media Reactions on X (formerly Twitter): www.twitter.com
- BusinessDay Nigeria Report on Telecom Tariffs: www.businessday.ng
