At a time when Nigerians are grappling with economic hardship, rising inflation, and worsening cost of living, Airtel Nigeria has implemented a steep increase in data and call tariffs, leaving many subscribers frustrated.
The telecom giant, the second-largest operator in the country, quietly revised its pricing structure, increasing some data plans by up to 50 percent, a move that many see as poorly timed and insensitive.
According to details published on its website on Monday, the price adjustments affect various data bundles, with subscribers now paying significantly more for internet access. In addition to data price hikes, Airtel has also raised call tariffs, further burdening millions of Nigerians who rely on affordable communication.
Nigerians Hit with Higher Costs Amid Economic Struggles
The timing of this increase could not have been worse. With inflation at record highs, the naira’s value plummeting, and purchasing power diminishing, Nigerians are already struggling to afford basic necessities.
The sudden hike in data and call tariffs only adds to their woes, making it harder for businesses, students, and everyday users to stay connected.
Airtel, in its defense, attributes the hike to rising operational costs, inflation, and foreign exchange volatility.
While these factors are real concerns, many believe that pushing the burden onto already struggling consumers is unfair.
Information garnered by newsmen confirmed the price increase but attempted to downplay the impact, stating that the adjustments were necessary to keep up with rising costs.
However, for millions of Nigerians who rely on affordable data for work, education, and business, the increase is a major setback.
Customers Express Outrage Over Unfair Pricing
Many subscribers have taken to social media to express their frustration, calling the hike exploitative and insensitive. Complaints range from the affordability of the new prices to the lack of any significant improvement in service quality.
Airtel’s new pricing structure includes:
- N50 for 40MB (valid for 1 day)
- N100 for 100MB (valid for 1 day)
- N200 for 200MB (valid for 3 days)
- N350 for 1GB (valid for 1 day)
- N1500 for 5GB (valid for 7 days)
For many low-income earners, students, and small business owners, these new prices mean either cutting down on their internet usage or sacrificing other basic needs to afford communication.
A Pattern of Exploitation in the Telecom Sector
Airtel is not alone in this move. MTN, Nigeria’s largest telecom provider, has also increased data and call rates, citing similar reasons.
The pattern among telecom companies suggests a coordinated effort to raise prices without genuine regard for the economic realities faced by the average Nigerian.
With the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) granting approval for these hikes, there are concerns that regulators are more interested in protecting corporate interests than the welfare of the people.
A Call for Reconsideration
As Nigerians continue to battle economic hardship, a tariff hike on essential services like telecoms is not only insensitive but unjust.
Rather than burdening customers, telecom operators should explore alternative cost-saving measures, negotiate better forex rates, and improve efficiency without passing the costs onto already struggling citizens.
The government and regulatory bodies must step in to ensure that telecom companies prioritize affordability and accessibility, rather than maximizing profits at the expense of the people. Nigerians deserve better.
