MTN, Nigeria’s leading telecom provider, has apologised to its customers after widespread backlash over a sudden surge in data prices.
The New Daily Prime earlier reported that an unexpected increase saw the cost of a 15GB weekly data plan jump from N2,000 to N6,000—a staggering 200 per cent hike that left many subscribers frustrated.
The increase led to customers flooding social media with complaints on Wednesday as users expressed their outrage.
In response, MTN, in a statement on its social media on Thursday, acknowledged customers’ frustrations and attempted to ease tensions.
“To our 15G digital bundle lovers. You dey vex. We know. We know how upsetting it must have been to suddenly wake up to a 200% increase on your favourite digital bundle.
READ ALSO: MTN, others plan 100% tariff hike in Nigeria
“We could share several reasons, and provide explanations, but omo, all that one na story. We don cast. We get it and admit it. Let’s just say na mistake.
“In this love season, don’t stay angry with us. Please forgive and forget. You matter die and we will never stop showing you how much. Let’s continue our relationship. Thank you for your understanding,” the statement read.
The increase came after the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) approved a 50% tariff hike in January.
This newspaper learned that, so far, only MTN has raised its prices, but Airtel and Globacom are expected to follow suit.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has strongly condemned the implementation of the tariff hike, demanding an immediate reversal.
READ ALSO: TELECOM TARIFFS: Outrage as MTN hikes data charges by 200%
The NLC urged MTN users to boycott the network and others, warning that it would shut down their operations entirely if the tariffs were not reversed before March 1.
