The Chief Executive Officer of MTN Nigeria, Karl Toriola, has maintained that mobile data in Nigeria remains among the most affordable globally, despite persistent complaints from subscribers over rising telecommunications costs.
His remarks come amid growing public concern about the cost of internet access following the tariff adjustment approved for telecommunications operators in 2025.
Speaking at the MTN Data Trial Conference in Lagos on Saturday, Toriola argued that perceptions about expensive data services in Nigeria do not align with realities in the international telecommunications market.
According to him, a comparison of data prices across several countries would show that Nigeria ranks among the nations with the lowest data costs worldwide.
“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.
Toriola stressed that the affordability of mobile data is not limited to MTN subscribers alone, noting that competing network operators in the country also offer some of the most competitively priced data services globally.
“But compared to any other African country, you will see that the data in MTN Nigeria, not just MTN, our competitors too, is one of the cheapest in the world, even after the tariff increase,” he added.
The issue of data pricing has remained a contentious subject since January 2025 when the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) approved a 50 per cent increase in telecommunications tariffs.
The decision led to higher costs for voice calls, text messaging and internet services, prompting widespread reactions from consumers, labour unions and civil society groups.
The NCC explained at the time that the adjustment was necessary to ensure the long-term sustainability of the telecommunications sector.
According to the regulator, the approved increase was significantly lower than the more than 100 per cent adjustment requested by some operators.
“These adjustments will remain within the tariff bands stipulated in the 2013 NCC Cost Study, and requests will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis, as is the Commission’s standard practice for tariff reviews.
”It will be implemented in strict adherence to the recently issued NCC Guidance on Tariff Simplification, 2024,” the commission stated.
The commission also attributed the tariff review to rising operational expenses facing telecommunications companies.
Industry stakeholders have repeatedly pointed to inflation, foreign exchange pressures, energy costs and infrastructure maintenance expenses as major challenges affecting service delivery.
According to the NCC, the adjustment would enable operators to sustain investments in infrastructure and technological innovation while maintaining quality service for subscribers.
“These adjustments will support the ability of operators to continue investing in infrastructure and innovation, ultimately benefiting consumers through improved services and connectivity, including better network quality, enhanced customer service, and greater coverage,” the agency said.
Despite the regulator’s justification, the tariff increase was met with strong opposition from organised labour and consumer advocacy groups.
Among the most vocal critics was the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), which described the decision as insensitive at a time when many Nigerians were already grappling with economic hardship.
The union argued that higher telecom charges would place additional financial pressure on workers and ordinary citizens who depend heavily on mobile communication and internet services.
“This decision is insensitive, unjustifiable, and a direct assault on Nigerian workers and the general populace, who are already burdened by worsening economic hardship foisted on them by policies of the government that were no fault of theirs,” the NLC said.
While the debate over affordability continues, Toriola insisted that a global comparison of prices would confirm that Nigeria remains one of the least expensive markets for mobile data, even after the recent tariff review.
