The Chief Executive Officer of MTN Nigeria, Karl Toriola, has defended the cost of mobile data services in the country, insisting that Nigeria continues to rank among the nations with the most affordable internet rates globally despite recent tariff adjustments.Speaking at the MTN Data Trial Conference held in Lagos on Saturday, Toriola rejected claims that telecommunications operators are charging excessive rates for data services. He maintained that data prices in Nigeria remain highly competitive when compared with those in many other countries.
According to him, a comparison of data bundle prices across several markets shows that Nigerian subscribers still enjoy some of the lowest data costs in the world.He noted that countries such as Kenya, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and several others offer data at significantly higher rates, adding that Nigeria remains among the top countries for affordable internet access.Toriola also acknowledged that Ghana offers relatively inexpensive data services but stressed that Nigerian telecom operators, including MTN and other network providers, continue to provide value-driven packages even after the recent tariff review.
Telecommunications companies have come under increasing criticism from subscribers following the rise in the cost of data and airtime services after a tariff adjustment approved by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) in January 2025.The NCC authorised a 50 per cent increase in telecom tariffs, marking the first major review of rates in more than a decade. The commission explained that the decision was necessary due to rising operational expenses and the need to sustain investments in network infrastructure and service delivery.
According to the regulator, the approved increase was significantly lower than the over 100 per cent tariff hike requested by some operators and was designed to protect both consumers and the long-term sustainability of the telecommunications industry.The commission further stated that the adjustment would support continued investment in network expansion, technological innovation, improved service quality, and wider coverage across the country.
Despite these explanations, the tariff increase generated criticism from consumer groups and labour organisations, many of which argued that the decision placed an additional burden on Nigerians already facing economic challenges and rising living costs.The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) was among those that opposed the increase, describing it as insensitive to the financial realities of workers and ordinary citizens.
However, telecom operators have consistently argued that the tariff review was necessary to offset increasing operating costs and ensure the continued growth and stability of the sector.
