The House of Representatives has called on the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to halt the proposed increase in telecommunications tariffs until network service quality improves.

This resolution follows growing dissatisfaction among subscribers, many of whom are switching to alternative network providers due to a sharp increase in MTN Nigeria’s data and SMS tariffs.

Reps Oppose Telecom Tariff Hike

The House’s position came after adopting a motion of urgent public importance moved by Obuku Oforji, the representative of Yenagoa/Kolokuma/Opokuma Federal Constituency, Bayelsa State, during plenary.

Oforji cited the January 8, 2025, stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja, where Dr. Tijani indicated that a tariff hike was imminent. The minister acknowledged ongoing consultations, highlighting that telecommunications companies had pushed for tariff increases of up to 100 percent. However, he assured that while an increase was inevitable, it would not reach the full 100 percent and that the NCC would determine and announce the new rates in due course.

The lawmaker outlined key reasons telecom operators have provided for the tariff hike, including rising investment costs, network expansion, and the increasing demand for digital services across sectors such as education, banking, and healthcare.

Oforji stated: “The National Association of Telecoms Subscribers has rejected the proposed increase, describing it as insensitive and an added burden on consumers already grappling with economic hardship and poor network service delivery.”

He emphasized that telecommunications companies must first improve their service quality before implementing any tariff increase. He also warned that the proposed hikes could worsen economic struggles, hinder Nigeria’s digital transformation goals, deepen poverty, and widen existing inequalities, disproportionately affecting lower-income households.

Subscribers Boycott MTN Over Price Hike

Meanwhile, MTN subscribers have begun migrating to other network providers following the abrupt hike in data and SMS costs.

The telecommunications giant recently raised its data bundle and SMS rates by up to 50 percent, prompting widespread backlash. Reports indicate that:

• The 15GB data plan jumped from ₦4,500 to ₦6,500.
• The 20GB data plan increased from ₦5,500 to ₦7,500.
• The 1.5TB 90-day package surged from ₦150,000 to ₦240,000.
• The 600GB 90-day plan rose from ₦75,000 to ₦120,000.
• SMS rates climbed from ₦4 to ₦6 per message.

Many Nigerians have taken to social media to voice their frustration. One user, @not_ahmedjunior, lamented: “It’s nearly impossible for the average Nigerian to progress. The 15GB data plan that used to cost ₦2,000 is now ₦6,000.”

Similarly, @official_GZU attributed the price hike to economic realities, stating: “Complaining won’t change anything. Telecom operators operate in a profit-driven market where inflation, currency devaluation, and economic factors dictate pricing.”

Adding to subscriber concerns, reports indicate that MTN has discontinued its popular “Hot Deals” package (*121#), which previously offered discounted data plans. This move contradicts the Federal Government’s reported approval of a 50 percent increase, as the new prices exceed this limit.

Subscribers were particularly outraged by the sudden implementation of the new rates, despite ongoing discussions between the government and the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC). Many users are now calling for a boycott of MTN, citing poor network service and unjustified pricing.

One user, Khan, wrote: “I think it’s high time we boycotted MTN. Their network is terrible, and their data plans are a rip-off.”

Another, Silva, tweeted: “Nigeria is a tough place to live. MTN suddenly increasing their weekly 15GB data from ₦2K to ₦6K without prior warning is madness. That’s ₦24K per month—almost the country’s minimum wage spent on data alone!”

Similarly, @neefenawti criticized the government’s regulatory stance: “I won’t even blame MTN. In a country where the president doesn’t believe in price control, what do you expect? The government is letting people plunge further into poverty.”

What’s Next for Telecom Subscribers?

As of now, MTN has yet to release an official statement explaining the rationale behind the price increase. Meanwhile, competitors such as Airtel, Globacom, and 9mobile have yet to announce similar price hikes, raising speculation on whether they will follow suit or capitalize on MTN’s subscriber losses.

With public outrage growing, stakeholders are calling for urgent intervention from regulatory authorities to ensure fair pricing and improved network quality in Nigeria’s telecom industry.