MTN Nigeria’s chief executive says the country still offers some of the most affordable mobile data services worldwide despite recent price increases.
Karl Toriola, Chief Executive Officer of MTN Nigeria, has defended the cost of mobile data prices in the country, arguing that Nigeria data costs remain among the lowest globally. His remarks came in response to growing criticism from consumers following recent adjustments to telecom tariffs.
According to Toriola, many people focus on local price increases without comparing them to rates in other markets. He said Nigeria continues to rank among the four cheapest countries for data services, even after operators raised tariffs. He encouraged critics and social media commentators to examine prices in nations such as Kenya, Congo, and other parts of the world before drawing conclusions about affordability.
“Influencers and critics, look at the price at which we sell bundles of data. Then now take that price, go and check in Kenya, go and check in Congo, go and check across the world, and tell me if you are not going to tell me that data in Nigeria is one of the four cheapest in the world. Ghana is also very cheap, I acknowledge that,” he said.
The debate over Nigeria data costs intensified after the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) approved a 50 per cent tariff increase for telecom operators in January 2025. The decision marked the first significant adjustment since 2013. The regulator explained that it approved a lower increase than the more than 100 per cent requested by operators, citing the need to support the long-term sustainability of the telecommunications sector amid rising operating expenses.
Despite those explanations, the move triggered strong opposition from many Nigerians. Groups including the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) criticised the increase, describing it as unfair at a time when many citizens face economic challenges. The discussion around Nigeria data costs continues as consumers weigh affordability against industry sustainability.
Do you believe Nigeria’s relatively low data prices justify recent tariff increases?
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