MTN Nigeria’s Data Price Hikes Raise Concerns Amid Group’s Financial Woes

MTN Group has reported an annual pre-tax loss of 4.4 billion rand ($243 million), citing the impact of Nigeria’s naira devaluation as a major factor. Despite this, its Nigerian subsidiary remains highly profitable, drawing criticism for recent steep increases in data tariffs that many believe exploit its dominant position in the market.

In February 2025, MTN Nigeria raised the cost of its 15GB data bundle from ₦2,000 to ₦6,000, a 200% increase leading to public outrage. The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) had approved a tariff adjustment allowing a maximum 50% increase, but MTN’s hike far exceeded this limit. This has fueled accusations that the company is prioritizing profit at the expense of Nigerian consumers, who already face economic hardships.

Public frustration is heightened by the fact that Nigeria is MTN’s largest market, contributing a significant share of its revenue. Critics argue that while the company attributes its losses to currency devaluation, its long-term success remains heavily tied to Nigerian consumers, making fair pricing essential.

Following backlash, MTN Nigeria issued an apology, admitting that the price hike was a mistake. However, the company has not announced a reversal of the new tariffs, leaving millions of subscribers struggling with higher internet costs.

As MTN seeks to recover financially, industry analysts suggest that its approach to pricing in Nigeria will be critical. Ensuring affordable data access while maintaining profitability could determine whether the telecom giant sustains its market dominance without alienating consumers.

Speaking on the company’s outlook, MTN Group CEO Ralph Mupita reassured stakeholders that the worst of the financial strain should be over, as its Nigeria unit begins to stabilize. Nigeria remains a crucial market for MTN, contributing a substantial portion of the group’s revenue. However, the naira’s devaluation in 2023 put immense pressure on the company’s earnings, affecting profitability across the board.

Despite these setbacks, Mupita emphasized that MTN’s strategic focus on operational efficiency and recent tariff adjustments in Nigeria would help drive recovery. The company remains committed to strengthening its position in Africa’s telecom sector, with plans to enhance digital services, expand network coverage, and optimize costs to offset currency-related impacts.