Airtel increases data, call tariffs following NCC approval

• Published On: 19 February 2025 at 06:24

Airtel Nigeria has announced an upward revision to its data and voice tariffs, in line with the Nigerian Communications Commission's recent approval of a 50% increase.

The new pricing structure, which comes just a week after MTN Nigeria made a similar adjustment, represents a significant shift in the country's telecommunications landscape.

Airtel's cheapest monthly data plan is now 2GB for ₦1,500, up from 1.2GB for ₦1,000. Additional changes include: 3GB for ₦2,000 (previously 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). Prices for larger data bundles have increased, with the 10GB plan now priced at ₦4,000 (up from 6GB at ₦2,500), 13GB at ₦5,000 (previously 10GB at ₦3,000), and 18GB at ₦6,000 (previously 15GB at ₦4,000). The 25GB plan costs ₦8,000, replacing the previous 18GB plan priced at ₦5,000.

This development comes after the NCC approved a 50% tariff increase on January 20, 2025. When MTN Nigeria first implemented the hike, it faced public backlash for some price adjustments that went above the approved threshold. The company later clarified that it was only removing subsidies from special plans, assuring customers that its pricing remained within regulatory limits. MTN subsequently apologised to its users.

In addition to data tariff adjustments, Airtel has changed its call rates, introducing a new flat rate of 25 kobo per second. This amounts to around ₦15 per minute, up from the previous ₦11 charge. However, the increase does not apply to all subscription packages; 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, including the ₦20,000 package for 200GB (with an additional 10GB daily after the main data is exhausted) and ₦30,000 plan for 300GB, are still available.

Industry analysts predict that more telecommunications providers will adjust their pricing in response to rising operational costs and regulatory decisions. Meanwhile, consumers remain concerned about the affordability of mobile services in Nigeria's rapidly evolving digital economy.