In a move that has stirred considerable controversy, Airtel Nigeria, the country’s second-largest telecommunications operator, has revised its data pricing structure, implementing a tariff adjustment of up to 50 percent.
The announcement, which came into effect recently, has been met with mixed reactions from subscribers, highlighting the tension between operational costs and consumer affordability in Nigeria’s telecom sector.
The adjustment was reported online, today being Tuesday, February 18, 2025. The news spread rapidly across social media, with the announcement garnering significant attention and discussion among Airtel Nigeria subscribers.
Airtel Nigeria’s decision follows a similar move by MTN Nigeria, the largest telecom operator in the country, which had also increased its tariffs recently, citing rising operational costs.
According to the details provided by Airtel Nigeria, not only has the cost of data bundles risen, but call rates have also seen an increase, moving from approximately 18 kobo per second to 25 kobo per second.
However, some plans, like the 5GB weekly plan for N1,500, remain unchanged. Additionally, the cost of SMS has been adjusted from N4.00 to N6.00 per message.
This pricing overhaul is reflective of the broader economic pressures faced by telecom companies in Nigeria, including high inflation rates, foreign exchange volatility, and the general cost of doing business in the country.
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), which oversees the telecom industry, had previously approved a maximum tariff adjustment of 50%, under Section 108 of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003 (NCA).
The NCC justified this approval by pointing to the need for sustainability within the industry due to the increasing operational costs.
However, the timing and magnitude of the price hikes have not gone down well with many subscribers, especially given the ongoing economic crisis in Nigeria, which has seen inflation rates at levels not witnessed in decades.
Social media reactions varied, with some users expressing frustration over the price increases, while others speculated on the quality of service Airtel provides.
Critics argue that this tariff hike could exacerbate the digital divide, making internet access more expensive at a time when more Nigerians are turning to online platforms for business due to the economic downturn.
Digital content creator Mubarak Uniquepikin, in a statement to the BBC, highlighted the potential negative impact on online businesses, “The economy is already comatose and for this to come in now when a lot of people can’t rent shops and have taken their business online is bad.”
The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) has also weighed in, calling for a boycott of telecom services in response to these price hikes.
The NLC’s stance is part of a broader critique of government policies, which they argue favor corporate interests over the welfare of the Nigerian populace.
The union’s call for a daily three-hour boycott underscores the depth of public discontent.
Despite the backlash, Airtel Nigeria maintains that these adjustments are crucial for the continued enhancement of service quality and network expansion.
The company’s position is that without such measures, the sustainability of operations would be at risk amidst the economic challenges.
This situation underscores the delicate balance telecom companies must strike between profitability and providing affordable services in a challenging economic climate.
As Nigeria continues to navigate through its economic woes, the response to Airtel Nigeria’s price adjustments might set a precedent for how similar issues are handled in the future, potentially influencing regulatory decisions and consumer rights advocacy in the telecom sector.
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