Nigeria’s largest telecommunications provider, MTN, has begun a gradual implementation of a 50% tariff increase, as sanctioned by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) in January.

This adjustment is primarily reflected in the updated prices of various data plans, while call and SMS rates remain unchanged for now. An MTN executive, who preferred to remain anonymous, confirmed the rollout in a conversation with our correspondent on Tuesday, stating, “This process is gradual, and we haven’t completed it for all products yet.”

The price changes predominantly affect several data plans. For instance, the 1.5GB monthly plan, which was previously priced at N1,000, has been replaced with a 1.8GB plan now costing N1,500. Other notable increases include the 15GB plan, which has jumped from N4,500 to N6,500, and the 20GB plan, now priced at N7,500, up from N5,500.

Larger data bundles have experienced even more significant hikes. The 1.5 terabyte 90-day plan has surged from N150,000 to N240,000, while the 600GB 90-day plan is now priced at N120,000, up from N75,000.

The NCC announced the tariff increase on January 20, citing rising operational costs and the necessity for the long-term sustainability of the telecommunications sector. Reuben Muoka, the Commission’s Director of Public Affairs, emphasized that the decision is in line with its regulatory mandate under Section 108 of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003.

In response to the increase, the National Association of Telecommunications Subscribers (NATCOMS) has expressed strong opposition, threatening legal action to reverse the approved tariff hike to a more manageable 10%.