The Chief Executive Officer of MTN Nigeria, Karl Toriola, has defended the cost of mobile data in Nigeria, insisting that the country remains one of the cheapest globally for data services despite recent tariff adjustments.
Toriola made the remarks while responding to public criticism over rising data costs, stressing that Nigeria’s pricing remains significantly lower compared to several other countries.
He urged critics to compare Nigeria’s data rates with markets such as Kenya, Congo, and other regions, maintaining that Nigeria still ranks among the most affordable countries for mobile internet access.
“Influencers and critics, look at the price at which we sell data bundles. Then compare it with Kenya, Congo and other countries across the world, and tell me if Nigeria is not among the four cheapest. Ghana is also very cheap,” he said.
His comments come months after the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) approved a 50% tariff adjustment for telecom operators in January 2025, the first major revision since 2013.
The regulator explained that the increase was aimed at sustaining the telecom industry amid rising operational costs, though it was significantly lower than the over 100% hike initially requested by operators.
However, the decision was widely criticised by Nigerians and labour groups, including the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), which described the increase as harsh amid prevailing economic challenges.
Despite the backlash, telecom operators maintain that tariff adjustments are necessary to sustain network expansion, infrastructure upgrades, and service quality.
Read Also: MTN Nigeria pumps ₦202b into capital expenditure in Q1 2025
