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 increase in telecommunications tariffs until service quality improves.
This resolution followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance by Hon. Obuku Oforji, representing the Yenagoa/Kolokuma/Opokuma federal constituency of Bayelsa State, during plenary on Monday.
The directive comes amid widespread frustration over MTN Nigeria’s recent adjustment of its data and SMS rates, which saw increases of up to 50%. Many subscribers have begun switching to alternative network providers in protest.
Reports indicate that the 15GB data plan has risen from ₦4,500 to ₦6,500, while the 20GB plan now costs ₦7,500, up from ₦5,500. The increase is even steeper for larger data plans, with the 600GB and 1.5TB 90-day packages jumping from ₦75,000 to ₦120,000 and ₦150,000 to ₦240,000, respectively. SMS rates have also climbed from ₦4 to ₦6 per message.
The sudden price surge has sparked public backlash, with many Nigerians expressing their discontent on social media. Some have called for a boycott of MTN, accusing the telecom giant of exploiting consumers already struggling with economic hardships.
Hon. Oforji emphasized that the National Association of Telecoms Subscribers has rejected the proposed tariff hike, calling it “insensitive” and a “further burden on consumers already grappling with economic hardship and poor network service.”
He argued that while telecom operators cite rising investment costs and increasing demand for digital services in education, banking, and healthcare as reasons for the price hike, service quality has remained subpar.
“It is imperative that telecommunications companies improve their service delivery before implementing any tariff increase,” Oforji stated.
The unexpected timing of the price adjustment, which took effect despite ongoing discussions with the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), has fueled further frustration. Many Nigerians have taken to social media to criticize both MTN and regulatory authorities.
A user, @not_ahmedjunior, lamented: “The 15GB data plan that used to cost ₦2,000 is now ₦6,000. It’s nearly impossible for the average Nigerian to progress.”
Another user, @neefenawti, blamed weak government regulation: “I won’t even blame MTN. In a country where the president said he does not believe in price control, what do you expect? The government is watching people plunge further into poverty.”
While MTN has yet to release an official statement on the price hike, speculation is growing over whether other major providers—Airtel, Globacom, and 9mobile—will adopt similar pricing adjustments.
As public outrage intensifies, Nigerians are calling for urgent regulatory intervention to prevent further financial strain and ensure fair, transparent pricing in the telecom sector.
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