Following the 50% pricing hike authorized by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) in January 2025, MTN Nigeria and SWIFT Networks have raised the prices of their data plans, meaning Nigerians would now pay extra for internet services.
The 1.5GB monthly plan that MTN offered for ₦1,000 has been replaced by a 1.8GB plan that costs ₦1,500 under the company’s new pricing structure. Even more drastic increases have been made to several data bundles; for example, the 15GB weekly plan went from ₦2,000 to ₦6,000, a 200% increase. Additionally, SWIFT Networks has increased all of its internet services by 50%.
Globacom and Airtel have not yet disclosed any adjustments to the costs of their internet packages. Nonetheless, an Airtel source verified that the telecom behemoth has implemented a flat cost of 25 kobo for all voice calls.
Nigerians have responded differently to the recent pricing changes. Many customers are annoyed by the increased prices of keeping connected, even though telecom companies contend that the hikes are required due to inflation, a weakening naira, and rising operating costs.
In the upcoming weeks, telecom experts caution that consumers may have fewer options for reasonably priced data if other carriers change their rates. The NCC is being urged by industry stakeholders to strike a balance between assisting companies in remaining viable and ensuring that services remain available to Nigerians.
How much extra can individuals afford to pay for internet connection is still the major concern as Nigerians prepare for possible price increases from Globacom and Airtel.
