MTN Nigeria, SWIFT Raise Internet Prices as 50% Tariff Hike Takes Effect

MTN Nigeria has increased the prices of its internet plans following the 50% tariff hike approved by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) in January. The updated prices now include a 1.8GB monthly plan for ₦1,500, replacing the previous 1.5GB plan priced at ₦1,000.

The 20GB plan has been adjusted to ₦7,500 from ₦5,500, while the 15GB plan now costs ₦6,500, up from ₦4,500. Larger bundles have seen even steeper hikes, with the 90-day 1.5TB plan rising from ₦150,000 to ₦240,000, and the 600GB 90-day plan increasing from ₦75,000 to ₦120,000.

“It’s not a 50% increase on every plan, but rather an across-the-board adjustment. Some plans remain unchanged to keep the grassroots connected. For instance, the 2.5GB daily plan at ₦600 has not been affected,” an MTN Nigeria executive said.

SWIFT Networks has also implemented a 50% price increase across all its internet plans.

Airtel and Globacom have yet to adjust their prices. However, a source at Airtel confirmed that the company had introduced a 25 kobo flat rate for all voice calls. Both Airtel and Globacom, along with other operators, are expected to implement the tariff hike later this month.

According to an industry source, the adjustments took effect on Monday afternoon, affecting data and voice plans. Some daily plans have also seen changes in validity, with a 2-day plan now reduced to 1 day and a 7-day plan shortened to 6 days.

The NCC approved the 50% tariff hike on January 20, 2025, after years of negotiations with telecom operators, who argued that existing tariffs were unsustainable due to inflation and the devaluation of the Naira. The telecom sector had maintained unchanged tariffs for 11 years despite rising economic pressures.