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The Chief Executive Officer of MTN Nigeria, Karl Toriola, has defended data prices in the country, stating that Nigerian mobile data is among the four cheapest in the world. Speaking at the MTN Data Trial conference in Lagos, he challenged critics to compare prices with Kenya, Congo, and other African countries. He acknowledged Ghana is also cheap. This comes after the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) approved a 50% tariff increase in January 2025, which sparked backlash from users and the Nigeria Labour Congress.
Key Points:
Despite the tariff hike, MTN claims Nigerian data remains globally competitive, which may surprise consumers feeling the pinch.
Comparisons with other African countries may not ease the pain of ordinary Nigerians already battling high inflation and living costs.
The NCC approved the hike to sustain infrastructure investment, but consumers question whether quality has improved.
The Nigeria Labour Congress described the hike as “insensitive,” reflecting widespread public frustration.
Cheaper data relative to other countries does not automatically translate to affordability for low‑income Nigerians.
Telecom operators and regulators face the challenge of balancing commercial viability with consumer affordability, especially in a fragile economy.
Sources: Channels Television, MTN Data Trial conference
