Nigerians react to the increase in data rate

Nigerians have started reacting on the issue of the increment in subscription rate starting from 1st of Dec 2016.The increase in the data rate was the decision of the federal government after discovering that data rates are very low-priced in Nigeria, compared to other countries, including nearby African countries.


In text messages sent out to its subscribers, MTN, Africa’s mobile telecommunications giant, confirmed that it had agreed to implement the directive of the NCC.

   The MTN text reads:
   “Dear customer, please be informed that from 1st of December, some MTN data tariffs will be increased to reflect the new rates set by the NCC for operators. Thank you.”

The Etisalat also reads:
Dear Valued Customer, Effective 1st Dec 2016, we will review our data plans & prices in compliance with NCC directive. Dial *200*3# NOW to buy MORE DATA.

  There have been warnings regarding this move by the NCC, the Trade Union Congress (TUC) warned against the proposed price hike.

   The labour group said it would not take such move lightly in the face of the serious economic crisis the country is faced with.

  In a similar vein, the Nigerian Senate has waded into the issue, the Senate President Bukola Saraki confirmed on Tuesday, November 29, that the upper house of legislature will step into the matter.

  Saraki made the confirmation on his verified Twitter in reply to a plea by a follower that the House look into the matter .

  More reactions have trailed the data hike news, many of which are from the bitter masses and some in opposition of the APC-government.

   Reno Omokri, former aide Ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, said:

   “Does anyone remember when GSM/Internet rate plans collapsed from ₦3k to ₦1k under ‘clueless’ Goodluck Jonathan? I need a witness. Please share and comment if you do remember. May God bless GEJ forever!”

  Below are the thoughts of Nigerians on the issue, views aired via social media.

  Onyebuchi Onyebuchi said: “That policy brought thousands of jobs that will be loss in the coming days, another job lost looming (@least 100,000) #BuhariIsNotMyPresident”

   Nwasor Obadiah Amen was of the opinion that online businesses will be affected, he said: “Buhari is a curse” . Harrison Akadidi said:

“#BuhariIsNotMyPresident” while MI Zorto said:

  “Change they voted for has landed heavily on all of us” .

  Tabitha Treasure Ojiako said: “I wonder why God allows horrible things happen to innocent people,buhari still sleeps under AC bought and maintained by the people’s money ,why not tax the national assembly,why not tax the government officials who don’t perform duties.”

  Ejiofor Umeano said: “We have serious problem in this country, Nigeria losses over one trillion Naira Every month to DATA, PHONE, and CABLE TV.

  In other countries in Europe a one time payment of about N6000 per family per month pays for unlimited data for all the above listed.

  Instead of laying fiber cable to connect Nigeria to Internet hub they preferred to drain Nigeria by Data and allso deprive Nigeria from joining the next money spinning age which is knowledge based in other civilized countries SANE people do not browse with mobile data. In Nigeria it is the only option.”