The National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS) has given telecommunications multinational, MTN a 10-day ultimatum on the immediate reversal of its data tariff increase.
MTN Nigeria had come under intense scrutiny following a significant increase in its data tariffs, with reports indicating that some bundles saw price hikes of up to 200%— far exceeding the 50% cap reportedly approved by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
Newsmen had reported that the price of MTN’s 15GB data bundle skyrocketed from N2000 to N6000, while the 1.5TB plan jumped from N150,000 to N240,000.
Other bundles, including the 100GB and 600GB plans, also saw substantial increases, sparking outrage among subscribers.
In an initial response to the backlash, MTN defended the price adjustments on X (formerly Twitter), stating: “A price increase has been implemented to enhance our services and serve you better, which is why you are seeing the updated amount.”
However, amid growing criticism, the company later admitted that the 200% increase was a mistake.
In a statement addressed to its “15G digital bundle lovers,” MTN struck a more apologetic tone, urging customers to forgive the abrupt price hike.
“You dey vex. We know. We know how upsetting it must have been to suddenly wake up to a 200% increase on your favorite digital bundle,” the statement read. “We don cast. We get it and admit it. Let’s just say na mistake.”
The company further pleaded with subscribers, adding, “Please forgive and forget. You matter die, and we will never stop showing you how much.”
Despite its apology, MTN has not confirmed whether it will reduce or reverse the new prices, leaving many subscribers frustrated.
The situation has fuelled a national debate over whether telecom companies are complying with regulatory limits and prioritising consumer interests.
However, the association, which represents polytechnic students across Nigeria, described the hike as a “blatant display of greed” that threatens students’ access to education.
In a press statement signed by its president, Comrade Festus Oyewumi, NAPS on Monday expressed outrage over the decision, arguing that students rely heavily on affordable internet access for research, assignments, and academic projects.
NAPS called on relevant authorities to intervene, urging the government and regulatory bodies to ensure that telecommunications providers offer affordable and fair services to students.
The statement reads in part; “The National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS) is outraged and appalled by MTN’s recent decision to increase data tariffs, which will have a catastrophic impact on our students’ ability to conduct research and complete projects. This blatant display of greed and disregard for the welfare of students is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.
“Our students rely heavily on data to access online resources, conduct research, and submit assignments, and this increase will make it impossible for many of them to afford the data they need. This is a direct attack on their right to education and will have far-reaching consequences for their academic success and future prospects.
“We condemn MTN’s actions in the strongest possible terms and demand that they immediately reverse the tariff increase. We will not stand idly by while our students are denied the opportunity to succeed due to MTN’s profiteering. We will not be silenced or intimidated by MTN’s attempts to exploit our students for their own financial gain.
“We are giving MTN a 10-day ultimatum to reverse the tariff increase. If they fail to comply, we will be forced to take drastic action, including shutting down their offices nationwide. We will mobilize our members and take to the streets to protest this injustice and ensure that MTN is held accountable for their actions.
“We warn MTN that we will not be ignored or dismissed. We will fight tirelessly to protect the interests of our students and ensure that they have access to affordable and reliable data services. We will not rest until MTN reverses the tariff increase and commits to providing fair and affordable services to our students.
“To MTN, we say: you have 10 days to reverse the tariff increase. If you fail to do so, you will face the full force of our wrath. We will not be silenced, we will not be intimidated, and we will not be ignored,” the statement added.
