MTN Nigeria has increased its call rates as part of a broader tariff hike and restructuring
. The call rate on its Pulse bundle has risen from ₦7.8 per minute to ₦13.8 per minute, reflecting a 76.92% increase. Previously, calls on the Pulse bundle were charged at 13 kobo per second, with SMS costing ₦4 per message. However, a recent update now shows a call rate of 23 kobo per second and ₦6 per SMS, meaning a full minute of talk time now costs ₦13.8.
This change aligns with the Federal Government’s recent 50% tariff hike, approved on January 20, 2025. Under the new pricing structure, the minimum call rate has increased from ₦6.40 to ₦9.6 per minute, while the maximum rate has been set at ₦50 per minute. The price of an SMS has risen from ₦4 to ₦6, and the cost of 1GB of data has jumped from ₦287.50 to ₦431.25. On average, the price of calls has moved up from ₦11 per minute to ₦16.5 per minute.
Following these changes, MTN faced backlash from customers, particularly due to a 200% increase in the price of its 15GB weekly digital bundle. In response, the company issued an apology, acknowledging that the price hike was sudden and unexpected. In a message sent to subscribers, MTN admitted its mistake in a casual and relatable tone, stating, “We know how upsetting it must have been to suddenly wake up to a 200% increase on your favorite digital bundle. We could give explanations, but honestly, that’s just talk. We admit our mistake. Please forgive us. You matter to us, and we will keep showing you that.”
Despite the controversy, MTN has continued its engagement with the public through initiatives like its ‘Go Make a Difference (Go M.A.D.)’ campaign, recently launched in Abuja. The campaign aims to inspire Nigerians to take bold steps toward positive change in their communities. The Abuja event brought together young changemakers, spoken word artists, and entrepreneurs, offering a platform for interactive discussions, success stories, and networking opportunities.
Speaking on the initiative, MTN’s Senior Manager, Ohwofasa Obazenu, highlighted its goal of encouraging individuals to make a meaningful impact. He stated, “Go M.A.D. is a movement that empowers Nigerians to act. Whether in business, education, or social impact, we want people to know that their bold steps can create real change.”