MTN Defends Mobile Data Prices, Says Nigeria Among World’s Cheapest Markets

MTN Defends Mobile Data Prices, Says Nigeria Among World’s Cheapest Markets

The Chief Executive Officer of MTN Nigeria, Karl Toriola, has defended the cost of mobile data in Nigeria, insisting that the country remains among the cheapest globally despite recent changes in telecom tariffs.

Speaking at the MTN Data Trial Conference in Lagos on Saturday, Toriola dismissed claims that telecom operators are overcharging subscribers, stressing that mobile data prices in Nigeria remain competitive when compared with several countries across Africa and beyond.

He explained that based on global comparisons of data cost per gigabyte, Nigeria still ranks among the most affordable markets. According to him, a review of data pricing across countries such as Kenya, Congo, and others shows that Nigeria remains one of the lowest-cost markets for mobile internet access.

Toriola added that while countries like Ghana also maintain relatively low-cost internet services, operators such as MTN Nigeria and other telecom providers continue to offer some of the cheapest data plans in Africa, even after the recent tariff adjustment.

The remarks come amid growing public debate following a 50% telecom tariff increase in Nigeria, approved by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) in January 2025. The regulator described the adjustment as necessary to address rising operational costs, inflation, and foreign exchange pressures affecting the industry.

READ ALSO:

• Goods Worth N100m Lost as CNG Vehicle Explodes, Triggers Fire in Ibadan
• CBN Reforms Drive Return of Global Transactions on Naira Cards
• Court Strikes Down National Assembly’s ₦110bn SUV, Allowance Spending

According to the NCC, telecom operators initially requested more than 100 percent tariff adjustments, but the approved increase was reduced to balance industry sustainability with consumer protection. The commission also stated that the revised pricing structure is aimed at supporting continued investment in telecom infrastructure, network expansion, and improved service delivery across the country.

Despite this explanation, the tariff hike has triggered widespread criticism from consumers, labour unions, and civil society organisations. Many Nigerians argue that the rising cost of data bundles in Nigeria has worsened economic pressure on households already affected by inflation, fuel price increases, and declining purchasing power.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has strongly condemned the tariff adjustment, describing it as insensitive and an additional burden on workers and low-income earners. Consumers have also raised concerns that data now depletes faster than before, intensifying dissatisfaction over value for money in mobile internet services in Nigeria.

Telecommunications operators, however, maintain that the tariff review is essential for the survival of the industry. They argue that rising costs of network equipment, electricity, foreign exchange volatility, and infrastructure expansion have made previous pricing structures unsustainable.

They also insist that periodic adjustments are necessary to ensure continued investment in 4G and 5G network expansion, improved connectivity, and better service quality across urban and rural areas.

While Nigeria may rank among countries with relatively low data prices per GB globally, analysts note that affordability depends heavily on income levels and purchasing power. This has created a growing gap between global rankings and local realities, as many Nigerians continue to feel the pressure of rising communication costs despite being classified among markets with relatively cheap internet access.

MTN Defends Mobile Data Prices, Says Nigeria Among World’s Cheapest Markets