MTN Pushes For 100% Increase In Call, Data Tariffs Amid Hardship In Nigeria

MTN Nigeria has submitted a proposal to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) seeking approval for a 100% increase in service tariffs, citing mounting operational pressures.

The company’s Chief Executive Officer, Karl Toriola, disclosed this during an interview with Arise TV, explaining that the move is aimed at ensuring the telecom sector’s sustainability amidst escalating costs.

We’ve put forward requests of approximately 100 percent tariff increases to regulators. I doubt they’re going to approve that quantum of increases because they are very, very sensitive to the current economic situation in the country,” Toriola remarked.

He further stressed that the proposed adjustment is not about short-term profits but the long-term viability of the telecom industry.

“I believe we’re all on the same side, the policymakers, the regulators, our Chairman of ALTON, Gbenga Adebayo, and the industry. We’re united because we share concerns about a few fundamental issues.

“First, human rights, are critical to driving any economy. Without a sustainable industry, the broader economy and the well-being of the people will be negatively impacted,” he added.

The request comes as telecom operators face rising inflation, volatile exchange rates, and surging energy costs, particularly for diesel and power generation.

These challenges, Toriola noted, have severely impacted the profitability of service providers, raising concerns about their ability to maintain operations.

Earlier in the week, the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) issued a stark warning about the dire state of the sector.

ALTON Chairman, Engr. Gbenga Adebayo, described the industry as “under siege,” emphasizing the urgent need for tariff adjustments to sustain service quality and infrastructure expansion.

Adebayo cautioned that failure to approve tariff increases could lead to service disruptions and reduced telecom access in underserved areas.