MTN Nigeria Chief Executive Officer, Karl Toriola, has said mobile data in Nigeria ranks among the four cheapest in the world, dismissing complaints that telecom operators charge excessive rates for internet services.
The MTN boss made the assertion on Saturday during the MTN Data Trial conference held in Lagos, amid growing concerns from subscribers over the cost of data and airtime following recent tariff increases.
Telecom operators have faced criticism from consumers who argue that the cost of mobile data has become increasingly expensive. However, Toriola maintained that Nigeria remains one of the most affordable countries globally for mobile data services.
“Influencers and critics, look at the price at which we sell bundles of data. Then now take that price, go and check in Kenya, go and check in Congo, go and check across the world, and tell me if you are not going to tell me that data in Nigeria is one of the four cheapest in the world. Ghana is also very cheap, I acknowledge that,” he said during the MTN Data Trial conference held in Lagos on Saturday.
“But compared to any other African country, you will see that the data in MTN Nigeria, not just MTN, our competitors too, is one of the cheapest in the world, even after the tariff increase.”
The remarks come months after the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) approved a 50 per cent increase in telecom tariffs in January 2025, raising the cost of data and airtime for subscribers across the country.
According to the commission, the increase was lower than the more than 100 per cent adjustment sought by some operators and was designed to support reforms aimed at sustaining the telecommunications industry.
“These adjustments will remain within the tariff bands stipulated in the 2013 NCC Cost Study, and requests will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis, as is the Commission’s standard practice for tariff reviews. It will be implemented in strict adherence to the recently issued NCC Guidance on Tariff Simplification, 2024,” the agency said in a statement.
The NCC said rising operational expenses and the need to maintain service delivery were key factors behind the first tariff review approved for telecom operators since 2013.
“These adjustments will support the ability of operators to continue investing in infrastructure and innovation, ultimately benefiting consumers through improved services and connectivity, including better network quality, enhanced customer service, and greater coverage,” NCC said.
The tariff increase sparked opposition from many Nigerians and organised labour groups, including the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), which condemned the decision and staged protests against the policy.
“This decision is insensitive, unjustifiable, and a direct assault on Nigerian workers and the general populace, who are already burdened by worsening economic hardship foisted on them by policies of the government that were no fault of theirs,” the union said.
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