MTN Nigeria has apologized to its subscribers for the sharp increase in data bundle prices, acknowledging that the 200% hike was an error.
The telecommunications giant made this admission in a statement addressed to its “15G digital bundle lovers,” urging customers to forgive and move forward.
“You dey vex. We know. We know how upsetting it must have been to suddenly wake up to a 200% increase on your favourite digital bundle,” the statement read. “We don cast. We get it and admit it. Let’s just say na mistake.”
This comes after SaharaReporters earlier reported that MTN had significantly increased its data tariffs following approval from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
The commission had granted telecom companies permission to raise prices by up to 50%, citing economic challenges. However, in some cases, MTN’s increases far exceeded the approved cap.
SaharaReporters observed that the price of MTN’s 15GB data bundle jumped from N2,000 to N6,000, while the 1.5TB plan increased from N150,000 to N240,000.
Other bundles, including the 100GB and 600GB plans, also saw substantial hikes, leading to widespread complaints.
Reacting to the backlash, MTN initially defended the increase on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “A price increase has been implemented to enhance our services and serve you better, which is why you are seeing the updated amount.”
However, in its latest statement, the company struck a more conciliatory tone, saying, “In this love season, don’t stay angry with us.
“Please forgive and forget. You matter die and we will never stop showing you how much.”
SaharaReporters had reported how the drastic price hike had sparked outrage on social media, with many subscribers calling for a boycott.
One X user, Khan, criticised the move, saying, “I think it’s high time we boycotted MTN. Their network is terrible, and their data plans are a rip-off.”
Another user, Silva, lamented the economic impact, writing, “That’s 24k in a month, almost the minimum wage of the country on data, bruh, this is hell.”
Despite the apology, MTN has not confirmed whether it will reverse or reduce the new pricing. The situation continues to generate debate among subscribers, with many questioning whether telecom companies are acting within regulatory limits.
