Category: 📈Trends

Nigerian telecommunications operators have started implementing the long-awaited 50 per cent tariff hike following regulatory approval from the Nigerian Communications Commission as lawmakers moved to halt the rollout, citing economic hardship.

The House of Representatives on Tuesday directed the telecom regulator and the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy to suspend the tariff increase, arguing that Nigerians cannot afford higher telecom costs amid rising inflation and the removal of fuel subsidies.

The tariff hike, which had been cleared by the NCC, was scheduled to take effect nationwide starting Monday. While MTN, the country’s largest telecommunications provider, had already started implementing the revised rates as of Tuesday, other key players—Glo, Airtel, and 9mobile—had yet to release their new pricing structure.

A senior MTN executive, who requested anonymity due to lack of authorisation to speak on the matter, confirmed the development. “Yes, we’ve started updating our price lists. However, this process is gradual, and we haven’t completed it for all products yet.”

The tariff adjustment primarily affects MTN data plans. For example, the 1.5GB monthly plan, previously priced at N1,000, has now been replaced with a 1.8GB plan costing N1,500.

Similarly, the 15GB plan has increased from N4,500 to N6,500, while the 20GB plan now costs N7,500, up from N5,500. Larger data bundles have seen even steeper hikes, with the 1.5 terabyte 90-day plan increasing from N150,000 to N240,000, and the 600GB 90-day plan rising from N75,000 to N120,000.

The source added, “From tomorrow (Wednesday), prices of other MTN products will be adjusted. We are doing it in phases. Not all the prices went up, some didn’t change, some are still below 50 per cent.”

A senior official at Globacom, who was not authorised to speak on the matter, confirmed that while the company had not yet rolled out the new tariffs, there was a possibility of an update before the close of business on Tuesday.

An executive at Airtel, who also spoke under the condition of anonymity, indicated that the tariff hike had been implemented across the industry.

“As far as I know, every operator has commenced. This is an industry-wide decision, not an operator decision. Our prices have never been uniform, and the decision was made collectively on Monday. Every operator must have begun, even if the rollout is not yet fully completed,” the executive told The PUNCH.

The House of Representatives intervention came after a motion of urgent public importance was raised by a member of the Peoples Democratic Party from Bayelsa State, Oboku Oforji during Tuesday’s plenary session.

The motion, titled “Need for the Nigerian Communications Commission not to approve the impending hike in the telecommunications tariffs,” sought to halt the tariff increase.

Oforji argued that while telecommunications companies justified the tariff hike by citing rising operational costs and the need for improved service delivery, the timing was particularly problematic given the economic hardship many Nigerians face.

He noted that inflation, which hit a record 34.6 per cent in November 2024, and the removal of fuel subsidies had already placed significant financial strain on citizens.

“The House is aware that telecom operators have been advocating for this hike for over eleven years,” Oforji said.

“However, the National Association of Telecoms Subscribers has rejected the proposed increase, describing it as insensitive and a further burden on consumers who are already grappling with economic challenges and poor network service delivery.”

Oforji emphasised that the telcos must first address long-standing issues related to poor network service before implementing a price increase. He warned that the tariff hike would only exacerbate financial struggles for many Nigerians, deepening poverty and widening inequalities.

“Affordable connectivity is a must for progress in critical sectors like digital banking, education, healthcare, agriculture and e-governance,” stressing that “informal sector workers who depend on affordable mobile data to access gig work opportunities may find it harder to stay connected.”

He further argued that small businesses “which rely heavily on affordable telecommunication for operations, marketing, and customer engagement, will face additional financial burden.”

Oforji said, “It is estimated that a 10 per cent increase in telecommunications costs would reduce small business profitability up to 7 per cent, potentially leading to the closure of businesses.”

Another lawmaker from Edo State, Billy Osawaru, called on the service providers to first improve the quality of their services before coming up with a hike in tariff.

“Why is it that when things go wrong in this country, the poor people must suffer? First, it was the electricity tariff, now it is the turn of the telecom companies. Nigerians must enjoy these services.

“In the developed world, people are not used to carrying two mobile phones but this is the practice here. The thinking is if there is no service in one, you might be lucky with the other one. I believe that this increase in tariff should wait until services improve,” he said.

Industry stakeholders, particularly the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria, have defended the tariff increase, arguing that it is vital for the long-term sustainability of the sector.

The Chairman of ALTON, Gbenga Adebayo highlighted that sustained underinvestment in the telecommunications sector could lead to an irreparable decline in services.

“I understand that a price review is necessary for the survival of the telecom sector,” Adebayo said on a call. “None of us can afford to see this sector collapse.

The inability to recover investments in the telecom industry has made sustainability increasingly difficult. When there is prolonged underinvestment, it becomes virtually impossible to recover.”

While acknowledging the public’s concerns about inflation and the high cost of data, Adebayo stressed that the tariff hike was driven by the urgent need to keep the industry afloat.

He expressed confidence that lawmakers, after fully assessing the situation, would come to understand the necessity of the adjustment.

“The public’s concerns are valid, but this tariff increase is essential for sustaining the sector,” he said.

The NCC announced the tariff hike on January 20, citing rising operational costs and the need to ensure the long-term sustainability of the telecommunications sector.

The commission, through its Director of Public Affairs, Reuben Muoka, underscored that the decision aligns with its regulatory mandate under Section 108 of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003.

However, the National Association of Telecommunications Subscribers voiced its opposition, threatening legal action against the approved tariff increase. NATCOMS argued that the hike be reversed to 10 per cent.

The Nigeria Labour Congress had also kicked against the increase, calling for the hike to be reversed to five per cent. The union led by its President, Joseph Ajaero threatened a protest on February 4, 2025, which eventually did not hold due to several interventions.

 

 

Nigerians react as the network service provider, MTN increases data cost of 15GB weekly plan from N2K to N6K.

Netizens on different social media platform have expressed their dissatisfaction and shock at the unexpected increase.

Apparently, the weekly data package of 15GB which initially cost N2K only days ago unexpectedly surged to a whooping N6K.

Check out some reactions that have been gathered …

@gbolahan2211 said: “Imagine MTN
@MTNNG
increasing their tariff 15gb overnight without prior notice to customers. This is no way to do things man. I even sent them a message and they told me cause they wanna serve me better. Damn!!”

@GIFTy6286 remarked: “If they like they should increase it to 1m,we will survive”

@AfrokonnectNG wrote: “This sudden price increase from ₦2,000 to ₦6,000 for 15GB is wild! How are people supposed to cope with such an outrageous hike? Internet access is essential for work, education, and staying connected, yet it’s being priced like a luxury.

At this rate, users may be forced to look for alternatives or reduce their data consumption drastically. MTN really needs to reconsider this move because it’s not sustainable for the average Nigerian. What do you think about this development?”

@Gorilla23mp asked: “But this is almost 200% increment, I thought they said it won’t be up to 100%?”

@nolifefahard wrote: “Una Dey vote for capitalism na 😂😂😂
We will learn the hard way.”

@damilarebellz commented: “Una see say
@AirtelNigeria
and
@GloWorld
are two oloriburuku and backward set of network providers….mtn will continue to do as they please with their tariffs and prices because they know these other two useless network provider can’t match them.”

Check out posts below …

MRS Oil has reduced the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) fuel, commonly known as petrol, from ₦970 to ₦925 per litre in Lagos State.

According to reports, this price adjustment comes after the Dangote Refinery lowered its ex-depot petrol price from ₦950 to ₦890 per litre on February 1. MRS Oil has now announced the following revised retail prices:

Lagos State: ₦925 per litre

South West: ₦935 per litre

Northern Nigeria: ₦945 per litre

Eastern Nigeria: ₦955 per litre

The company confirmed the price changes on Monday via its official X handle, stating: “MRS Petrol is now selling at new regional prices! The prices may vary, but one thing stays the same—we give you high-quality fuel that keeps your engine running at its best.

“If you notice any station selling above the listed price, we’re just a call or email away.”

MRS Oil is one of the officially approved partners of the Dangote Refinery, authorized to distribute its petroleum products. On February 1, the Dangote Refinery announced a reduction in its ex-depot petrol price, lowering it from ₦950 to ₦890 per litre.

According to Dangote’s spokesperson, Anthony Chiejina, this adjustment reflects positive trends in the global energy and gas markets, as well as the recent decline in international crude oil prices.

He stated, “Dangote Petroleum Refinery firmly believes that this reduction from ₦950 to ₦890 will lead to a significant decrease in petrol costs nationwide, ultimately lowering the prices of goods and services and reducing the overall cost of living, with positive ripple effects across various sectors of the economy.”

The refinery also urged marketers to pass on the benefits of this price reduction to consumers.

Additionally, it was gathered that the ₦890 per litre ex-depot price applies to marketers purchasing a minimum of 2 million litres or more.

The Minister of State for Health FG, Iziaq Salako, has stated that increasing doctors’ salaries alone will not resolve the challenges facing the health sector.

He emphasized that, given Nigeria’s economic realities, healthcare professionals are among the highest-paid in the country.

Speaking during a working visit to the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) on Monday, Salako encouraged healthcare workers to embrace patriotism and consider the long-term benefits of remaining in Nigeria. He expressed optimism that the mass migration of medical professionals, commonly referred to as the “japa syndrome,” would soon decline.

“Within Nigeria’s economic realities, health workers are among the best-paid professionals,” he said. “However, beyond salary increases, we must foster a stronger sense of commitment and passion for the profession.”

He further noted, “If we raise doctors’ salaries, other professionals, such as teachers, will also demand pay increases. East or West, home is best. No matter where you go outside your country, you remain a second-class citizen.”

Addressing the challenges faced by tertiary hospitals, particularly in power supply, Salako commended UBTH for its innovative approach to managing the issue.

He assured that the government would increase funding for public hospitals, stating, “Health is the essence of life, and adequate funding is essential to overcoming the sector’s challenges.”

The minister also linked the “japa syndrome” to broader economic concerns, stressing the need for a comprehensive solution. “With the policies currently in place, particularly those focused on capacity building, the tide will soon turn,” he concluded.

The Defence Headquarters DHQ has disclosed that 800 former Boko Haram terrorists have repented and are undergoing deradicalisation.

The Chief of Defence Training and Operations, Emeka Onumajuru, disclosed this while speaking on Channels TV Morning Brief on Monday.

He stated that the deradicalisation of the former fighters who surrendered to the military, is part of efforts to reintegrate them into society.

According to him, while 129,000 Boko Haram fighters and their families had so far surrendered, only a select group had been chosen for rehabilitation.

The Chief further explained that all surrendered individuals are subjected to legal scrutiny, with those found guilty facing prosecution, while others deemed fit for rehabilitation are placed in the deradicalisation programme.

“To get the numbers right, right now, (we have) about 129,000 surrendered Boko Haram members and their families.

“Some of them are in detention facilities, some of them are in Kainji, and there is a special court that goes through all of them. Those that were found culpable face the books, and those that are going to be deradicalised go through the process, which takes about a year,” he stated.

The military chief defended the feasibility of rehabilitating former insurgents within a year, noting that the programme is handled by professionals under Operation Safe Corridor, a non-kinetic approach to combating terrorism.

“It’s possible because the deradicalisation is done by professionals. That one-year period is sufficient enough, depending on the people handling the deradicalisation,” Onumajuru added.

“We are starting the sale of forms on the 31st of January till 5th of March. There will be a mock exam on the 23rd of February and on the 8th of March there will be UTME,” the JAMB Registrar said.

The National Universities Commission (NUC) has increased the application fee for those seeking to establish private universities in Nigeria, from N5 to N25million.

The commission’s Executive Secretary, Abdullahi Ribadu, disclosed this in a statement on Monday, stating that the price hike is for better coordination.

He also stated that it is to ensure that newly established private universities are positioned to meet the challenges of the 21 Century.

The NUC increased the fee for purchase of application forms for the Establishment of a Private University from N1m to N5m.

The Commission also raised the processing fee for application for the establishment of a private university from N5m to N25m.

The NUC said the N25m reviewed fee would be communicated to applicants who have purchased the application form at the former rate of N1m but are yet to pay the processing fee for their application.

“They are also expected to effect payments within a period of 30 working days or risk forfeiture of their pending applications,” the statement read.

The Commission also suspended further processing of all inactive applications including those of private open universities (those that have not made progress on their applications or made submissions to the Commission for upwards of two years).