MTN Nigeria has reassured subscribers that it has no immediate plans for another tariff increase, even as the telecommunications company continues to face public criticism over recent comments by its chief executive on unlimited mobile data services.
The clarification comes months after the telecommunications company implemented a tariff adjustment in January 2025 following approval by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). The review, the first major adjustment in more than a decade, sparked widespread public debate, with operators arguing that higher tariffs were necessary to offset rising operating costs, including inflation, foreign exchange pressures, energy expenses and continued investment in network infrastructure.
Speaking at an industry forum, MTN Nigeria Chief Executive Officer Karl Toriola said the company is not currently considering another tariff increase. He added, however, that future pricing decisions would depend on prevailing economic conditions, including inflation, exchange-rate movements and the cost of operating telecommunications infrastructure, much of which relies on diesel-powered backup power systems.
Toriola has previously described the January 2025 tariff adjustment as necessary to restore the company’s financial stability after a prolonged period of cost pressures. He said sustained increases in operating costs without corresponding revenue growth could affect operators’ ability to maintain network quality and expand digital infrastructure.
The MTN chief also addressed criticism surrounding his comments on unlimited mobile data. Speaking at a media briefing in Lagos, Toriola said the concept of unlimited mobile data is constrained by the finite nature of radio frequency spectrum. He explained that mobile network operators globally typically apply Fair Usage Policies (FUPs), under which connection speeds may be reduced after customers exceed specified usage thresholds in order to manage network capacity and maintain service quality for all users during periods of heavy demand.
His comments drew criticism from some consumers and public figures.
Human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore criticised MTN’s position in posts on X, arguing that consumers in many countries have access to unlimited or effectively unlimited broadband and mobile data plans. He accused the company of misleading consumers over its marketing of unlimited data services.
According to MTN Nigeria’s audited financial results for the year ended December 31, 2025, the company returned to profitability after reporting a loss in 2024. The operator also recorded growth in subscribers, active data users and service revenue, while increasing capital expenditure as it expanded and upgraded its network infrastructure.
The debate highlights the continuing challenge of balancing consumer affordability with the financial sustainability of Nigeria’s telecommunications sector. Operators continue to face elevated operating costs driven by inflation, currency depreciation and energy prices, while consumers remain under pressure from the country’s broader cost-of-living challenges.
The NCC has consistently stated that tariff decisions must balance consumer protection with the long-term sustainability of the telecommunications industry. Any future adjustments are expected to remain subject to regulatory approval and prevailing market conditions.
