Nigerian Mobile Data ‘Among Four Cheapest Globally’, Says MTN Boss Amid Tariff Backlash

Juliet Oladele, Reporting

LAGOS — The chief executive of MTN Nigeria, Karl Toriola, has insisted that the country’s mobile data remains one of the most affordable in the world, despite public outcry over a recent 50% tariff hike.

Speaking at a data trial conference in Lagos on Saturday, Toriola challenged critics to compare prices across Africa and beyond.

“Influencers and critics, look at the price at which we sell bundles of data. Then take that price and 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 conclude that data in Nigeria is one of the four cheapest in the world,” he said.

“Ghana is also very cheap, I acknowledge that. But compared to any other African country, you will see that data on MTN Nigeria – and not just MTN, our competitors too – is one of the cheapest in the world, even after the tariff increase.”

His defence follows the Nigerian Communications Commission’s (NCC) approval in January 2025 of a 50% rise in telecoms tariffs – the first increase since 2013.

The regulator argued that higher operational costs and the need for continued infrastructure investment justified the move, stating that the adjustment would “support the ability of operators to continue investing… ultimately benefiting consumers through improved services and connectivity”.

However, the decision triggered fierce backlash from subscribers and pressure groups, including the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), which called the hike “insensitive, unjustifiable, and a direct assault on Nigerian workers”.

Toriola’s remarks have reopened debate over whether Nigerian consumers are receiving fair value, with many pointing to persistent network quality issues.

The NCC has said it will review further tariff requests on a case‑by‑case basis, in line with its 2024 guidance on tariff simplification.