Alex Omenye
Airtel Nigeria has announced an upward revision of its data and voice tariffs, aligning with the Nigerian Communications Commission’srecent approval of a 50% increase.
The new pricing structure, implemented just a week after MTN Nigeria introduced a similar adjustment, marks a significant shift in the country’s telecommunications landscape.
Under the revised rates, Airtel’s cheapest monthly data plan now offers 2GB for ₦1,500, replacing the previous 1.2GB for ₦1,000. Other adjustments include 3GB for ₦2,000 (formerly 1.5GB at ₦1,200), 4GB for ₦2,500 (up from 3GB at ₦1,500), and 8GB for ₦3,000 (previously 4.5GB at ₦2,000). Larger data bundles have also seen price hikes, with the 10GB plan now costing ₦4,000 (up from 6GB at ₦2,500), 13GB priced at ₦5,000 (formerly 10GB at ₦3,000), and 18GB now available for ₦6,000 (previously 15GB at ₦4,000). The 25GB plan now costs ₦8,000, replacing the former 18GB plan priced at ₦5,000.
This development follows the NCC’s approval of a 50% tariff increase on January 20, 2025. When MTN Nigeria initially implemented the hike, it faced public backlash over some price adjustments that exceeded the approved threshold. The company later clarified that it was merely removing subsidies from special plans and assured customers that its pricing remained within the regulatory limits. MTN subsequently issued an apology to its users.
In addition to data tariff adjustments, Airtel has revised its call rates, introducing a new flat rate of 25 kobo per second. This translates to approximately ₦15 per minute, up from the previous ₦11 per minute charge. However, the increase does not affect all subscription packages, as several daily and weekly plans remain unchanged.
Despite the hikes, Airtel has retained some popular plans, including the one-week 5GB plan for ₦1,500. The company’s Unlimited Plans, such as the ₦20,000 package for 200GB (with an additional 10GB daily after the main data is exhausted) and the ₦30,000 plan for 300GB, also remain available.
Industry analysts predict that more telecommunications providers may adjust their pricing in response to rising operational costs and regulatory decisions. Consumers, meanwhile, continue to express concerns over the affordability of mobile services in Nigeria’s evolving digital economy.
