After nearly 12 years without a significant adjustment, Nigeria’s telecommunications sector has commenced the implementation of a new tariff regime, with a 50% increase in call, data, and SMS charges.
The price adjustment, approved by the Federal Government, took effect on Tuesday, with MTN leading the charge.
Many subscribers on the network woke up to find higher data and SMS costs.
According to MTN’s updated pricing, the 1.8GB monthly plan now costs N1,500, up from N1,000, while the 20GB bundle has risen from N5,500 to N7,500.
The 15GB monthly plan now stands at N6,500 instead of N4,500.
A particularly steep hike was recorded in the 15GB weekly plan, which jumped from N2,000 to N6,000, a 200% increase.
Longer-term plans were not spared, as the 1.5 terabyte (90-day) package increased from N150,000 to N240,000, while the 600GB (90-day) plan now costs N120,000, up from N75,000.
Text message charges also saw a 50% rise, with the cost of sending an SMS moving from N4 to N6.
A senior telecom executive, speaking anonymously, confirmed that operators received final approval from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) on Monday.
While MTN has already implemented the new pricing, other networks – Airtel, Globacom, and 9mobile – are expected to adjust their tariffs shortly.
The Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), Gbenga Adebayo, recently disclosed that all operators had submitted their revised tariff proposals to the NCC, awaiting regulatory clearance.
The NCC had earlier announced the tariff adjustment on January 20, citing rising operational costs and the need to maintain industry sustainability.
The commission, in a statement signed by its Director of Public Affairs, Reuben Muoka, emphasized that the decision aligns with its regulatory mandate under the Nigerian Communications Act (2003).
