The House of Representatives has directed the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to suspend the planned hike in telecommunications tariffs until there is a significant improvement in service quality.

The decision follows growing concerns over MTN Nigeria’s abrupt increase in data and SMS rates, which has already led to a subscriber exodus to alternative network providers.

House Rejects Tariff Hike Amid Poor Service

The House’s stance was based on a motion of urgent public importance raised by Hon. Obuku Oforji, representing the Yenagoa/Kolokuma/Opokuma federal constituency of Bayelsa State, during plenary on Tuesday.

Oforji referenced a statement made by Minister Tijani after a January 8, 2025, stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja, where he disclosed that telecom operators were lobbying for a tariff increase of up to 100%. However, the minister clarified that while an increase was imminent, it would not be a full 100% hike and that the NCC would determine and announce the new rates.

The lawmaker noted that telecom companies have justified the proposed hike with rising investment costs, growing demand for digital services, and the need for better network infrastructure.

However, he argued that the National Association of Telecoms Subscribers (NATCOMS) has outright rejected the increase, calling it “insensitive” and an added burden on Nigerians already struggling with economic hardship and poor network quality.

“It is imperative that telecom providers improve their service delivery, which Nigerians have been demanding for years, before considering any tariff increase,” Oforji said.

He further warned that the economic impact of higher telecom costs would worsen financial hardships, hinder Nigeria’s digital economy ambitions, and widen inequalities, disproportionately affecting low-income families.

Subscribers Dump MTN Over Price Hike

Meanwhile, MTN Nigeria’s sudden price increase—which took effect earlier than expected—has triggered widespread outrage, prompting many subscribers to switch to rival networks.

MTN recently raised its data and SMS rates by up to 50%, leading to significant cost increases:

• 15GB plan rose from N4,500 to N6,500
• 20GB plan jumped from N5,500 to N7,500
• 1.5TB (90-day plan) surged from N150,000 to N240,000
• 600GB (90-day plan) increased from N75,000 to N120,000
• SMS charges climbed from N4 to N6 per message

The development has sparked public outrage, with frustrated subscribers taking to social media to voice their complaints.

A user, @not_ahmedjunior, lamented: “It’s nearly impossible for the average Nigerian to progress. The 15GB data plan that used to cost N2,000 is now N6,000.”

Similarly, @official_GZU pointed out that the price hike reflects Nigeria’s worsening economic realities rather than a random decision.

“Complaining won’t change anything because telecom operators operate within a profit-driven system. Prices are influenced by inflation, currency devaluation, and market forces,” he said.

Adding to subscribers' frustration, media platform OloriSuperGal reported that MTN has also discontinued its ‘Hot Deals’ package (*121#), which previously offered discounted data bundles.

Regulatory Confusion and Consumer Backlash

Reports indicate that MTN’s increase exceeds the 50% hike reportedly approved by the Federal Government, contradicting its initial proposal of a 150% increase, which was rejected by the NCC.

Many subscribers were shocked when the new prices took effect earlier than expected, despite ongoing discussions with the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC).

Social media has been flooded with calls for a boycott, with many users blaming both MTN and the government for failing to protect consumers.

A user, Khan, tweeted: “I think it’s high time we boycotted MTN. Their network is terrible, and their data plans are a rip-off. The 15GB package doesn’t even last three days.”

Another, Silva, added: “Nigeria is a very difficult place to live in. MTN waking up one day to increase their 15GB data from N2K to N6K without prior warning is insane. That’s N24K in a month—almost the minimum wage.”

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

Will Other Networks Follow Suit?

While Airtel, Globacom, and 9mobile have yet to announce similar price increases, there is growing concern that MTN’s move could influence competitors or lead to massive customer migration.

As public frustration mounts, Nigerians are calling for urgent intervention from regulators to ensure affordable and transparent telecom pricing in the face of worsening economic challenges.