MTN Nigeria and SWIFT Networks have increased their internet plan prices following the Nigerian Communications Commission’s (NCC) approval of a 50% tariff hike. The changes, which took effect this week, reflect adjustments across various data plans, with some seeing significant price jumps.
MTN’s new pricing structure now offers a 1.8GB monthly plan for ₦1,500, replacing the former 1.5GB plan at ₦1,000. Similarly, a 20GB plan has moved from ₦5,500 to ₦7,500, while the 15GB plan now costs ₦6,500, up from ₦4,500. The steepest increase affects long-term plans, such as the 1.5TB 90-day plan, which has surged from ₦150,000 to ₦240,000, and the 600GB 90-day plan, now priced at ₦120,000, up from ₦75,000.
“It’s not a 50% increase on every plan, but rather an across-the-board adjustment. Some plans remain unchanged to ensure we keep the grassroots connected. For instance, the 2.5GB daily plan at ₦600 has not been affected,” an MTN Nigeria executive, who preferred to remain anonymous, explained.
Industry-Wide Changes Expected
SWIFT Networks has also implemented a 50% price increase across its internet services. Meanwhile, Airtel and Globacom have yet to adjust their data prices but are expected to do so later this month. A source at Airtel revealed that the company has instead introduced a 25 kobo flat rate for all voice calls as part of its initial response to the tariff adjustments.
The new pricing changes follow the NCC’s decision on January 20, 2025, to approve a tariff increase after years of lobbying from telecom operators. Industry leaders had argued that existing prices were unsustainable due to inflation and the naira’s depreciation. Before this adjustment, the telecom sector had maintained the same pricing structure for 11 years despite rising operational costs.
Consumers are already feeling the impact, with some reporting changes in data validity. For instance, some daily plans have had their durations reduced— a two-day plan now lasts only one day, while a seven-day plan has been shortened to six days. A user was fast to react on a post on X “Making internet access a luxury for many. The question is what’s the justification, and where does this leave small businesses and students who rely on affordable data hun” @PIXILARTi commented on a post by Yabaleftonline.
It remains to be seen, whether Nigerians will adapt to this new data tariffs or raise their voices for a reduction.
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2 replies on “Nigerians React as MTN, SWIFT Raise Internet Prices Amid Tariff Hike”
This is concise and well detailed. Thank you for this update.
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