Tension rose in Abuja on Wednesday as angry Nigerians stormed the headquarters of MTN Nigeria, demanding that the company and its South African staff leave the country over alleged exploitation, poor service delivery, and rising internet costs.

The protesters, led by activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore, gathered at MTN’s office in Maitama under the banner “Occupy MTN.”

The demonstrators accused MTN and other telecom providers of unfair data charges, rapid data depletion, poor network quality, and expensive internet subscriptions that many Nigerians can no longer afford.

Some protesters carried placards with messages demanding affordable internet services and better treatment of Nigerian subscribers. Others accused MTN of making huge profits from Nigerians while allegedly delivering poor service.

Speaking during the protest, Sowore said Nigerians were tired of what he described as exploitation by telecom companies operating in the country.

According to him, subscribers pay heavily for data plans that do not last as promised, causing frustration for millions of users who depend on the internet for work, business, education, and communication.

“This protest is just the beginning. Nigerians deserve affordable and unlimited internet services. People are paying too much for unreliable services,” he said.

Some protesters also linked their anger to recent tensions over xenophobic attacks on Nigerians and other Africans in South Africa. They argued that South African-owned businesses operating in Nigeria continue to benefit from the country while Nigerians allegedly face discrimination and attacks abroad.

The protesters called on the Nigerian government and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to investigate telecom operators and ensure consumers receive fair value for their money.

They also warned that if telecom companies fail to improve services and reduce costs, larger nationwide protests could follow in the coming weeks.

Security operatives were deployed around the MTN office to maintain law and order as the protest continued peacefully.

The demonstration has sparked reactions online, with many Nigerians sharing complaints about high data costs, unstable internet connections, and poor network service across the country