MTN Nigeria gives Valentine's Day apology for tariff increases
Nigeria
,
14 Feb 2025
MTN Nigeria has reversed a contentious 200% increase in the pricing of its 15GB data plan, following severe backlash and a harsh warning from the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).
The reversal is being hailed as an important victory for consumer rights in the country.
On Tuesday, the telecom giant raised the price of its 15GB data bundle from $1.29 to $3.99, exceeding the Nigerian Communications Commission's (NCC) recent 50% rate adjustment.
Customers expressed their anger and discontent on social media in response to the price increase.
The situation became more serious when, during a recent meeting, the NLC slammed the raise as "arbitrary" and "insensitive" to Nigerians' existing economic reality.
NLC President Joe Ajaero ordered a nationwide boycott of MTN, Airtel, and Glo services between 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. daily, beginning yesterday and running till February.
The protest highlighted growing frustration with mobile operators, who are accused of 'abusing customers' in the midst of Nigeria's deteriorating economic conditions.
With inflation increasing and living expenses reaching all-time highs, many saw the price increase as an additional burden for millions already struggling to make ends meet.
Under increasing pressure, MTN Nigeria issued a public apology on Thursday via its official X account, admitting that the rate increase was a "mistake."
“To our 15G digital bundle lovers, we know how upsetting it must have been to suddenly wake up to a 200 percent increase on your favorite digital bundle.”
The company urged customers to “forgive and forget” in the spirit of Valentine’s Day.
While many consumers welcomed the reversal and praised the NLC for taking quick action, others remained sceptical of MTN's sincerity and expressed concerns about potential future price increases.
The incident has generated calls for increased regulatory control by the NCC to prevent telecom operators from making unilateral decisions.