For the first time in nearly 12 years, Nigerian telecom operators have implemented a 50% increase in tariffs on data, calls, and SMS, following approval from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
Price Adjustments Begin with MTN
Subscribers, particularly on the MTN network, noticed the price changes on Tuesday, as the telecom giant adjusted its data and SMS rates ahead of the initially planned March rollout.
According to MTN’s updated pricing:
- 1.8GB monthly plan now costs ₦1,500, up from ₦1,000.
- 20GB plan has increased to ₦7,500 from ₦5,500.
- 15GB weekly plan jumped to ₦6,000, a 200% hike from ₦2,000.
- 1.5TB (90-day plan) rose from ₦150,000 to ₦240,000.
- 600GB (90-day plan) now costs ₦120,000, up from ₦75,000.
Text messages have also seen an increase, with telecoms now charging ₦6 per SMS, up from ₦4, reflecting the 50% tariff adjustment approved by the NCC.
Other Telcos Yet to Implement New Rates
While MTN has rolled out the changes, Airtel, Globacom, and 9mobile are yet to update their pricing as of press time. However, industry insiders confirm that these operators will follow suit soon.
A senior telecoms executive disclosed that the final tariff approval was granted on Monday, and all operators are now working on implementing their new pricing structures.
Why the Increase?
The NCC, in an official statement on January 20, justified the price hike by citing rising operational costs and the need to sustain the telecom sector. The Commission referenced Section 108 of the Nigerian Communications Act (2003) as the basis for its regulatory decision.
With the adjustments now in motion, Nigerians will have to navigate the new telecom pricing landscape, which may impact communication and internet accessibility across the country.
