Neusroom
Now Reading
Increase in data tariffs takes effect on December 1, Nigerians react
Neusroom

JOIN NOW

Neusroom

Increase in data tariffs takes effect on December 1, Nigerians react

by
November 30, 2016

As service providers in Nigeria prepare to effect a hike in data tariffs on Thursday, December 1 in accordance with a directive by NCC, Nigerians are in no small measure lashing out at the government for its “insensitivity.”

Nigerians have had to bear the crunch of the economic meltdown that has rocked the nation since the turn of the year, and a hike in tariff for data consumption appears to be the height of inconvenience for the masses.

MTN sent a message on Monday notifying its users of the impending increase. The message read, “Dear customer, please be informed that from December 1, some MTN data tariffs will be increased to reflect the new rates set by the NCC to operators. Thank you.”

Other service providers in the country will also abide by the new directive, with an employee of MTN explaining on conditions of anonymity that “What this means is that MTN, Airtel, Etisalat And Globacom will increase their data rates as from December 1, 2016. A data plan of N1,000 for 1.5 Gigabytes will now be increased to N3,000 at N1,000 per 500 Megabytes.”

The move, which has been reported as being “on the orders of the Federal Government”, has drawn the ire of citizens who have employed various modes of expressions in airing their dissatisfaction at the new development.

Anger, frustration, regrets, lamentations and abuses have characterised the reactions, with the Buhari-led administration in no small measure being at the receiving end.

“Dear MBuhari, as at 30 November 2016, the nation is collectively worse off than it was on 29 May 2015! Voting for you now HURTS me deeply!” a Twitter user wrote.

Several others have resulted to verbal attacks, in their bids to justify the reason former President, Goodluck Jonathan should have been left in office.

“When we talk about how backward this admin is, you guys tell us GEJ would have been worse.. Who cares?? You people are not Ok,” a user lamented.

A user wrote angrily, “May God punish everyone, male and female that campaigned and voted for Buhari. You can insult me now that you still have data to waste.”

“If the NCC goes ahead to increase this data price then we are officially better off with GEJ than Buhari. Thats just it,” another user said.

Not to be bullied into admitting a mistake was made in voting for President Buhari, other Nigerians countered that though the hardship under the present administration is prevalent, voting it at the time, was merely choosing a lesser evil.

One user angrily countered, “The reason we keep talking about GEJ is cos you people keep bringing him up…is Buhari failing?? Yes!!! Does that make GEJ a success??No!!”

“shebi you voted PMB. ntoi!’ Okay, you that voted GEJ, do you buy your rice cheaper? Or your income has increased cos you voted GEJ?” another queried.

See Also
Sanwo-Olu bags doctorate degree at Rome Business School

It has been reported that the Federal Government took the decision having discovered that data rates are very low-priced in Nigeria, compared to other countries, including nearby African countries.

But it is in no doubt that data affordability means more youth engagement because they are major players in the development of apps and software building, and the hike will have damning effects on the productivity the already failing economy could greatly benefit from.

Whether the lamentations from citizens will prompt the government to have a rethink on its decision remains to be seen. So many questions by the masses are quite sadly, left unanswered.

But many will say, we have indeed been here many times before.

Tags
Neusroom

© 2025 Neusroom. All Rights Reserved.

Scroll To Top