Nigeria’s largest telecom operator, MTN Nigeria, has defended its data pricing structure, insisting that mobile internet costs in the country rank among the cheapest globally. Speaking at the MTN Data Trial conference on Saturday, Chief Executive Officer Karl Toriola said current rates, ranging between $0.32 and $0.39 per gigabyte, compare favorably with international benchmarks.
Toriola cited findings from Cable.co.uk’s 2026 global pricing survey, which placed Nigeria among countries with relatively low mobile data costs. According to him, the figures also undercut prices in several African markets, including South Africa, reinforcing Nigeria’s position as a competitive digital economy in terms of access costs.
“Our data pricing remains one of the most affordable worldwide when you look at the nominal cost per gigabyte,” Toriola told attendees. “This is critical for digital inclusion and economic participation.”
The remarks come months after Nigerian regulators approved a 50 percent increase in telecom tariffs in January 2025, a move operators argued was necessary to offset rising operational expenses, including inflation, foreign exchange pressures, and infrastructure costs. The adjustment sparked public backlash, with many subscribers complaining that the increase would deepen the cost-of-living burden.
While acknowledging the concerns, analysts note that affordability in Nigeria is shaped not only by price per gigabyte but by income levels. With the country’s minimum wage hovering around $45 per month, critics argue that even relatively cheap data can feel expensive to average consumers.
“Nominal pricing doesn’t tell the whole story,” said a Lagos-based telecom analyst who asked not to be named. “When income levels are low, even small increases can significantly affect access to digital services.”
Toriola, however, pointed to broader economic trends and ongoing investments as part of the solution. He said improving macroeconomic conditions and continued expansion of network infrastructure would gradually enhance affordability and service quality.
MTN Nigeria has recently announced plans to upgrade its network capacity to accommodate surging data demand, driven by increased smartphone penetration, video streaming, and remote work trends. Industry data shows that data consumption in Nigeria has grown sharply over the past five years, putting pressure on existing infrastructure.
“We are committed to ensuring that as demand rises, the quality of service improves alongside affordability,” Toriola said. “Sustainable pricing allows us to invest in the networks Nigerians rely on every day.”
The debate over telecom pricing highlights a broader challenge facing Nigeria’s digital economy: balancing affordability for consumers with the financial sustainability of operators. As demand for connectivity continues to grow, both regulators and industry players are expected to face increasing scrutiny over how costs are structured and justified.
For now, while Nigeria’s data prices may rank among the lowest globally on paper, the question of real affordability, measured against everyday earnings, remains a central concern for millions of users.