MTN under fire for tripling 15GB data price from N2000 to N6000 (Full prices)

Nigerians have expressed frustration following a significant increase in the cost of data, calls, and other services by telecom giant MTN.

On Tuesday, February 11, 2025, many subscribers took to social media to criticize the price hike, calling it exploitative and unfair, especially amid worsening economic conditions.

A major change was the weekly 15GB data plan, which previously cost N2,000 but surged to N6,000 overnight.

A Twitter user, @gbolahan2211, vented:
“Imagine MTN @MTNNG increasing their 15GB data plan overnight without prior notice. I messaged them, and they said it’s to serve me better. This is unacceptable!”

Another user, @GIFTy6286, wrote:
“If they like, they should increase it to N1 million; we will survive.”

@AfrokonnectNG criticized the hike:
“This sudden increase from N2,000 to N6,000 for 15GB is outrageous! Internet access is essential for work, education, and staying connected, yet it’s being priced like a luxury.”

Others pointed out inconsistencies in pricing policies. @Gorilla23mp questioned:
“But this is almost a 200% increase. I thought they said it wouldn’t be more than 100%?”

@TheSilvapr lamented:
“Living in Nigeria is tough enough. Now MTN increases their 15GB plan from N2,000 to N6,000 without warning. That’s N24,000 a month—almost the minimum wage—just for data. This is madness.”

While MTN has yet to issue an official statement, observations suggest it may be implementing the 50% tariff hike recently approved by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

On January 20, 2025, the NCC’s Director of Public Affairs, Reuben Muoka, announced that the adjustment would begin in February. He explained that while some telecom operators had requested a 100% increase, the commission settled for a 50% hike after considering industry reforms aimed at sustainability.

“Tariff rates have remained static since 2013, despite rising operational costs. The approved adjustment addresses the gap between costs and current tariffs while ensuring service delivery is not compromised,” the NCC stated.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) rejected the tariff hike, calling for a reduction to 5% and threatening a nationwide protest if its demands were ignored.

NLC President Joe Ajaero condemned the hike as “insensitive and unjustifiable,” stating it would place an extra burden on Nigerian consumers. After discussions with the Federal Government, the NLC temporarily suspended its planned protest and agreed to form a 10-member committee to review the issue within two weeks.

Meanwhile, the Trade Union Congress (TUC) also vowed to take action, threatening a nationwide strike if the government does not rescind its approval of the 50% tariff hike. The TUC described the increase as “ill-timed and an act of economic oppression against Nigerians.”

Full Price List of New MTN Data Tariffs

As part of the recent adjustments, here are some of the updated MTN data plans:

1.5GB Data – N1,000 (previously N500)

3GB Data – N2,000 (previously N1,200)

6GB Data – N4,000 (previously N2,500)

15GB Data – N6,000 (previously N2,000)

40GB Data – N20,000 (previously N10,000)