The Chief Executive Officer of MTN Nigeria, Karl Toriola, has defended the cost of mobile data in the country, insisting that Nigeria remains one of the countries with the cheapest data rates globally despite the recent increase in telecom tariffs.

Toriola made the remarks during the MTN Data Trial Conference held in Lagos on Saturday amid growing criticism from subscribers over the cost of data and airtime services.

According to him, data prices offered by Nigerian telecommunications operators remain among the lowest in the world when compared with rates in other African countries and beyond.

“Influencers and critics, look at the price at which we sell bundles of data. Then now take that price, go and check in Kenya, go and check in Congo, go and check across the world, and tell me if you are not going to tell me that data in Nigeria is one of the four cheapest in the world. Ghana is also very cheap, I acknowledge that,” Toriola said.

“But compared to any other African country, you will see that the data in MTN Nigeria, not just MTN, our competitors too, is one of the cheapest in the world, even after the tariff increase,” he added.

The comments come months after the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) approved a 50 per cent increase in telecommunications tariffs in January 2025, marking the first major review of telecom rates since 2013.

The approval required subscribers to pay more for data, voice calls and other telecommunications services.

In announcing the decision, the NCC said the adjustment was lower than the more than 100 per cent increase sought by some network operators and was aimed at ensuring the long-term sustainability of the telecommunications industry.

According to the commission, the tariff review was carried out within the provisions of the 2013 NCC Cost Study and in line with the NCC Guidance on Tariff Simplification, 2024.

The regulator said rising operational costs and the need to maintain quality service delivery informed the decision.

“These adjustments will support the ability of operators to continue investing in infrastructure and innovation, ultimately benefiting consumers through improved services and connectivity, including better network quality, enhanced customer service and greater coverage,” the NCC stated.

The tariff increase, however, sparked opposition from subscribers and organised labour groups, including the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), which described the move as insensitive and burdensome.

Reacting to the hike at the time, the NLC said the decision would further worsen the economic challenges facing Nigerians.

“This decision is insensitive, unjustifiable, and a direct assault on Nigerian workers and the general populace, who are already burdened by worsening economic hardship foisted on them by policies of the government that were no fault of theirs,” the union said.

The debate over telecommunications tariffs has continued since the increase took effect, with operators maintaining that higher rates are necessary to sustain investments in network infrastructure and improve service quality, while consumers continue to express concerns over affordability.