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  • MTN CEO Faces Backlash After Saying Unlimited Data Does Not Exist

    MTN Nigeria Chief Executive Officer, Karl Toriola, has come under criticism after stating that unlimited mobile data plans are virtually non-existent around the world unless consumers are willing to pay extremely high fees.

    Toriola made the remarks during a press conference titled “Data on Trial” held in Lagos, where he addressed growing demands from subscribers for cheaper and unlimited internet services.

    MTN CEO Explains Data Pricing

    According to Toriola, the economics of mobile network infrastructure make truly unlimited data difficult to provide at the price levels many consumers expect.

    “The issue of unlimited data on mobile network, it does not exist anywhere in the world, except you are paying $400 a month or whatever. There are high bundles and fair usage policies,” he said.

    He argued that network providers cannot build enough capacity to support unlimited usage for everyone while maintaining quality service.

    Drawing a comparison with the aviation industry, Toriola said subsidising high-capacity services beyond sustainable levels would damage the industry.

    “If you decide to give everybody in Nigeria unlimited local air tickets for N200,000 in a month, do you think the airline industry will survive? It won’t,” he stated.

    Nigerians Challenge MTN’s Claims

    The comments triggered widespread reactions on social media, with many Nigerians disputing the CEO’s position and accusing telecom operators of overcharging customers.

    Several users pointed to countries such as Finland, the United Kingdom and France, where they claimed unlimited mobile data packages are available at lower costs relative to income levels.

    Others questioned why telecom companies advertise certain plans as unlimited if restrictions still apply.

    Some subscribers also compared MTN’s offerings to those of competing operators, arguing that better alternatives exist within the Nigerian market.

    Sowore Threatens Protest

    Human rights activist and African Action Congress presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, also criticised Toriola’s comments.

    In a post on X, Sowore described the claims as misleading and insisted that consumers in many countries enjoy unlimited or near-unlimited data plans at affordable rates.

    “Nigerians deserve affordable, reliable, and genuinely consumer-friendly telecommunications services, not endless tariff hikes, poor network quality, and excuses,” he wrote.

    He further hinted at possible nationwide protests against the telecom operator, declaring that the time to “Occupy MTN” was approaching.

    Growing Debate Over Data Costs

    The controversy has renewed public debate over internet affordability, network quality and telecom pricing in Nigeria.

    While operators argue that infrastructure costs and capacity limitations affect service delivery, many subscribers continue to demand more affordable data plans amid rising living costs and increasing dependence on digital services.

     

  • Oshiomhole Defends Call to Nationalise MTN Over Xenophobic Attacks in South Africa

    Senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, has defended his controversial call for the nationalisation of MTN and other South African-owned companies operating in Nigeria following renewed xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in South Africa.

    Speaking during an interview on Arise News on Tuesday, Oshiomhole argued that the Nigerian government must prioritise the safety and dignity of its citizens above foreign investment concerns.

    “Nigerian lives must come first”

    The former Edo State governor insisted that Nigeria should consider restructuring ownership of South African companies if attacks on Nigerians continue.

    “I am aware that MTN is quoted, and therefore Nigerian shareholders can hold on, but we take away the South African rights,” he said.

    According to him, affected companies could later be re-privatised under Nigerian ownership.

    “That’s why I say you nationalise, and then you reprivatise it so that Nigerians can take it over, and the profit they are taking out of Nigeria will be retained here. There will be no South African share in it,” he added.

    Oshiomhole also suggested that similar measures could apply to foreign financial institutions operating in Nigeria.

    Links proposal to xenophobic attacks

    The senator tied his position directly to repeated attacks on Nigerians living in South Africa, insisting that stronger economic measures were necessary.

    He argued that previous diplomatic engagements had failed to stop the violence.

    “When a country, for the first time, kills Nigerians, they got away with it. Second time, they riot, they kill Nigerians, they got away with it. Third time, they kill Nigerians, they got away with it,” he said.

    Oshiomhole also referenced agreements reached during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, claiming the commitments were not honoured.

    “Under Buhari, there was an agreement. They broke it. They are killing Nigerians. Nobody is in prison for murder,” he stated.

    Concerns over investors dismissed

    Responding to concerns that nationalisation could discourage foreign investment, Oshiomhole maintained that human lives should outweigh economic interests.

    “If anything leads to the death of Nigeria, what is the value of wealth to the dead? We don’t want investors who invest at the expense of human blood,” he said.

    He further questioned whether foreign capital should be prioritised over the safety of Nigerian citizens abroad.

    “Is foreign investor or foreign dollar more important than the life of a Nigerian?” he asked.

    South Africa reacts to renewed violence

    The remarks come amid renewed protests and attacks targeting foreign nationals in parts of Durban, Cape Town, East London and KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa.

    South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has condemned the attacks, describing the perpetrators as opportunists exploiting social and economic frustrations.

    In Nigeria, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission confirmed that the Nigerian Consulate in Johannesburg is engaging South African authorities over the safety of Nigerians in the country.

    The latest comments by Oshiomhole have added fresh debate to ongoing conversations around xenophobia, diplomatic retaliation, and Nigeria’s relationship with foreign investors.

  • Senate Tension Rises as Oshiomhole Targets MTN, DSTV Over SA Crisis

    Tension rose in the Senate on Tuesday as Senator Adams Oshiomhole called for economic sanctions against South African companies operating in Nigeria over renewed xenophobic attacks on Nigerians.

    His remarks came as lawmakers condemned the violence and urged urgent diplomatic action.

    Oshiomhole pushes for economic retaliation

    Speaking during plenary, Oshiomhole invoked the principle of reciprocity, arguing that Nigeria must respond firmly.

    “I don’t want this Senate to be shedding tears… If you hit me, I’ll hit you,” he said.

    He proposed the withdrawal of operating licences for MTN and DSTV, alleging that both companies repatriate significant revenue while Nigerians face hostility in South Africa.

    Call for licence revocation

    The senator urged the Federal Government to consider nationalising MTN and revoking its licence.

    He also called for similar action against DSTV, describing both firms as major economic actors with strong ties to South Africa.

    According to him, such steps would not only protect Nigerians but also create opportunities for local businesses.

    Lawmakers raise safety concerns

    Senator Victor Umeh also expressed concern over the safety of Nigerians abroad.

    He described reports from South Africa as alarming, noting that many Nigerians are unable to move freely due to fear of attacks.

    Umeh called on the African Union to intervene and consider sanctions against South Africa.

    Senate rejects proposal

    Despite the strong calls, the Senate declined to support the revocation of licences for MTN and DSTV.

    Lawmakers described the suggestion as uncalled for, even as they unanimously condemned the xenophobic attacks.

    They labelled the violence “barbaric, unlawful and inconsistent with African brotherhood.”

    Diplomatic pressure builds

    The development reflects growing pressure on the Federal Government to take decisive action in protecting Nigerians abroad.

    It also highlights the delicate balance between economic interests and diplomatic relations in responding to international crises.

  • MTN Nigeria Transfers MoMo Control to Parent in ₦95.5bn Fintech Deal

    MTN Nigeria has confirmed a major restructuring of its fintech operations, with its parent company, MTN Group, set to acquire majority stakes in its mobile money businesses in a deal valued at ₦95.5 billion.

    MTN Group takes control of fintech units

    The update, disclosed ahead of the company’s April 30, 2026 Annual General Meeting, shows that MTN Group will acquire 60 per cent stakes in MoMo Payment Service Bank and Y’ello Digital Financial Services.

    The transaction effectively shifts control of both entities to the group level, while MTN Nigeria retains a 40 per cent minority interest.

    This marks a strategic pivot in how the telecom giant manages its fast-growing but capital-intensive fintech segment.

    New structure to centralise operations

    Under the new arrangement, both fintech businesses will be housed within a newly created holding entity known as Fintech HoldCo.

    The structure will be owned 60 per cent by MTN Group and 40 per cent by MTN Nigeria, allowing the parent company to consolidate fintech operations across multiple markets.

    The move is designed to streamline decision-making and align operations under a unified continental strategy.

    Losses drive strategic shift

    The restructuring follows mounting financial pressure from MTN Nigeria’s fintech investments, which recorded a ₦62.56 billion impairment in 2025.

    The impairment reflects ongoing losses within the fintech units, despite years of expansion and market penetration.

    By transferring majority ownership, MTN Nigeria reduces its financial exposure while freeing up capital to strengthen its core telecommunications business.

    Part of wider continental plan

    The move aligns with MTN Group’s long-term ambition to build a unified fintech platform across Africa.

    The company has been gradually restructuring similar operations in other markets, including Ghana and Uganda, as part of a broader consolidation strategy.

    Nigeria’s scale and complexity made it a key piece in this transition, with the latest development marking a significant milestone.

    Future growth and possible listing

    The restructuring also positions MTN Group for future partnerships and potential capital market opportunities.

    With fintech operations now centralised, the group could explore expansion strategies, including collaborations with global payment players and a possible public listing in the future.

    The development signals a shift from fragmented operations to a more coordinated fintech ecosystem across the continent.

  • Airtime Credit May Return as Court Orders Shake FCCPC Rules, Pressure Mounts on MTN, Airtel

     

    Millions of Nigerian telecom subscribers may soon regain access to airtime and data credit services after two Federal High Court rulings challenged the regulatory basis behind their suspension earlier in April. The development follows weeks of disruption that left prepaid users without access to emergency borrowing options widely relied on across the country.

    Subscribers Stranded as MTN, Airtel Suspend Credit Services

    The services, including MTN Nigeria’s XtraTime and Airtel’s data credit options, were suspended following compliance concerns linked to new digital lending regulations issued by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC). The sudden halt affected millions of users, especially low-income earners, traders, and small business operators who depend on the services for daily connectivity.

    The disruption triggered widespread frustration as users were cut off from short-term credit facilities often used to manage urgent communication and business needs. Telecom operators had attributed the suspension to regulatory uncertainty surrounding the new framework.

    Lagos Court Restrains FCCPC From Enforcing Regulations

    On April 15, the Federal High Court in Lagos, presided over by Justice A. Lewis-Allagoa, granted an interim injunction restraining the FCCPC from enforcing key provisions of its 2025 Digital, Electronic, Online or Non-Traditional Consumer Lending Regulations against members of the Wireless Application Service Providers Association of Nigeria (WASPAN).

    The court also barred the commission from imposing sanctions or issuing further directives that could disrupt operations within the existing telecom structure. The ruling is seen as a major setback to the regulatory reach of the FCCPC in the ongoing dispute.

    Abuja Court Blocks Suspension of Telecom Infrastructure Access

    In a separate ruling in Abuja, the Federal High Court restrained MTN Nigeria and Airtel Networks Limited from suspending or limiting access to telecom infrastructure for Nairtime Holdings Limited and Nairtime Nigeria Limited. The order specifically covered USSD channels, short codes, SMS platforms, and billing systems tied to airtime credit services.

    The court further stated that telecom operators must respect contractual notice periods and dispute resolution mechanisms before acting on regulatory changes. This effectively questioned the legality of the abrupt suspension carried out by operators in April.

    Regulatory Clash Between FCCPC and NCC Deepens

    At the centre of the dispute is a jurisdictional conflict between regulatory bodies over who controls digital lending services delivered through telecom platforms. The FCCPC had expanded its oversight in July 2025 to cover airtime and data credit services under its digital lending framework.

    However, industry stakeholders insist the services fall under the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), citing the Nigerian Communications Act of 2003. They argue that telecom-based credit products should remain within NCC’s regulatory domain rather than consumer protection oversight.

    Industry Pushback and Economic Concerns

    Following the regulatory uncertainty, MTN and Airtel suspended the services pending clarification, a move that triggered backlash from stakeholders and consumers. WASPAN has accused the FCCPC of regulatory overreach, while urging full compliance with court orders and renewed collaboration with the NCC.

    Analysts estimate that airtime lending transactions in Nigeria are valued between ₦500 billion and ₦1.2 trillion annually, highlighting their importance as an informal credit lifeline for millions of Nigerians. The suspension, they note, temporarily disrupted a key financial support system within the telecom ecosystem.

    Restoration Expectations Build as Legal Battle Continues

    Although both cases have been adjourned for further hearings, attention has now shifted to telecom operators and how quickly services may be restored. The court rulings have significantly weakened the justification previously used for the suspension, raising expectations of an imminent return of airtime and data credit services.

    As the legal and regulatory battle continues, stakeholders warn that prolonged uncertainty could further affect consumer access and digital financial inclusion in Nigeria’s telecom sector.

     

  • MTN to Begin Subscriber Compensation After NCC Directive on Poor Service

    MTN Nigeria is set to begin compensating its subscribers following a directive from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), requiring telecom operators to refund users affected by poor network service.

    Automatic compensation for users

    The policy, which took effect in April 2026, mandates operators to identify affected customers and credit them directly without requiring any formal complaint or application.

    Subscribers who experienced dropped calls, slow data, or failed SMS may receive airtime or data compensation once service quality falls below NCC thresholds.

    Who qualifies for payback

    According to the guidelines, compensation applies only to users who experienced verified service disruptions within a specific period and carried out a paid activity such as calls, SMS, or data usage.

    However, brief or quickly resolved outages are excluded from the policy.

    The directive covers failures across voice, data, and messaging services.

    Shift in regulatory approach

    The move marks a significant shift in Nigeria’s telecom regulation, as consumers will now directly benefit from penalties imposed on operators.

    Previously, telecom companies were fined for poor service, but subscribers did not receive compensation.

    The NCC said the new framework prioritises consumer protection and accountability in service delivery.

    Directive timeline and enforcement

    The policy followed a directive issued by the NCC on March 29, 2026, instructing all telecom operators, including MTN, Airtel, Globacom, and 9mobile, to implement compensation measures.

    Further guidelines released on April 7 outlined how eligibility, timelines, and credit systems would be applied.

    The framework is backed by existing regulations, including the Consumer Code of Practice and Quality of Service standards.

    Industry pressure and infrastructure challenges

    The development comes amid ongoing challenges in Nigeria’s telecom sector, including frequent fibre cuts and infrastructure limitations that affect service quality.

    With over 180 million telecom users nationwide, regulators have faced increasing pressure to ensure operators are held accountable in ways that directly impact consumers.

    The move is already gaining attention in latest Nigerian news and breaking news Nigeria today as millions of subscribers await possible compensation.

     

  • Sowore Accuses MTN Of “Data Theft”, Sparks Fresh Outrage Among Subscribers

    Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore has accused telecom giant MTN Nigeria of exploiting customers through what he described as rapid and unexplained data depletion.

    His comments, which surfaced in a viral video earlier this week, have triggered widespread reactions from subscribers who say they face similar experiences with mobile data usage.

    What Sowore said

    Sowore alleged that many Nigerians are being unfairly charged for data that does not last as expected, describing the situation in strong terms.

    “You’ll buy ₦5,000 worth of data and by the time you wake up, it would have disappeared. MTN is looting your data,” he said.

    He called for urgent scrutiny of telecom operators, insisting that consumers deserve transparency and accountability.

    Subscribers echo concerns

    The claims have reignited long-standing complaints among users who argue that data bundles often deplete faster than anticipated.

    Many subscribers have taken to social media to share similar frustrations, demanding clearer billing systems and better regulation of the telecom sector.

    Calls for regulation

    Sowore stressed that regulators must step in to address what he described as exploitation, noting that Nigerians are spending hard-earned money on services they do not fully understand.

    Analysts say the controversy highlights ongoing concerns around consumer protection, pricing transparency, and service accountability in Nigeria’s telecom industry.

    MTN Nigeria has yet to issue an official response to the allegations as of the time of filing this report.

  • FCCPC Denies Banning Airtime Borrowing, Blames Telecom Operators For Disruptions

    The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has dismissed claims that it banned airtime borrowing and data advance services in Nigeria, describing the reports as false and misleading.

    FCCPC clears the air

    In a statement, the Commission said it never issued any directive stopping Nigerians from accessing airtime or data advance services.

    “The Commission has not prohibited airtime borrowing or data advance services, and no directive was issued preventing consumers from accessing lawful telecom value-added services,” it stated.

    The clarification comes amid widespread concerns following reports of service disruptions across telecom networks.

    Why FCCPC stepped in

    The Commission explained that its intervention was driven by growing complaints from consumers.

    These include issues such as hidden charges, unexplained deductions, aggressive recovery tactics, poor transparency, and weak accountability among service providers.

    To address this, FCCPC introduced the Digital, Electronic, Online or Non-Traditional Consumer Lending Regulations in July 2025.

    The framework is aimed at improving transparency, ensuring proper registration, and protecting consumers from exploitative practices.

    Operators blamed for disruptions

    FCCPC noted that telecom operators were given a 90-day window to comply with the new regulations, which was later extended to January 5, 2026.

    However, it said some operators failed to meet the requirements and continued operating outside the regulatory framework.

    According to the Commission, any temporary suspension or disruption of services should be seen as a compliance decision by the companies, not a government ban.

    “Any temporary suspension, restriction, or operational change introduced by service providers should therefore be understood as a business or compliance decision by those operators,” it said.

    Allegations of misinformation

    The Commission also alleged that misinformation around the issue may be driven by vested interests opposed to stricter regulation and fair competition.

    It described attempts to blame the regulator as misleading, insisting that operators had enough time to comply with the rules.

    FCCPC urged Nigerians to ignore false narratives and rely on verified information regarding telecom services.

  • MTN Suspends Xtratime Service Over New FCCPC Lending Rules

    MTN Nigeria has suspended its airtime and data advance service, Xtratime, following new regulatory requirements introduced by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) targeting digital lending operations.

    Why MTN took action

    The telecom giant disclosed the decision in a filing to the Nigerian Exchange on Thursday, stating that the move is to comply with the FCCPC’s Digital, Electronic, Online or Non-Traditional Consumer Lending Regulations, 2025.

    According to the company, the Xtratime service falls within the scope of the new rules, which now require providers of such services to obtain fresh licensing and meet stricter compliance standards.

    “MTN Nigeria Communications PLC hereby notifies… that the company has temporarily suspended its airtime and data credit advance service (‘Xtratime’),” the statement read.

    What the service does

    Xtratime allows prepaid subscribers to borrow airtime or data and repay on their next recharge, making it a widely used option for customers facing short-term credit needs.

    However, the FCCPC’s updated framework now classifies such offerings as digital credit services subject to tighter oversight.

    Impact on customers and revenue

    MTN said customers can still purchase airtime and data through other available channels despite the suspension.

    The company also downplayed the financial impact of the move, noting that the service does not significantly affect its overall revenue.

    “Given the scale within the revenue mix, we do not expect the temporary suspension to have a material impact,” MTN stated.

    It added that customer usage patterns are being monitored, with further updates expected in its Q1 2026 results.

    Regulatory push on digital lending

    The FCCPC’s 2025 regulations expand oversight of digital lending to include telecom operators and other providers of short-term credit.

    Under the framework, companies offering airtime and data advances must register and obtain approval to continue operations.

    The commission had earlier introduced a similar framework in 2022 but expanded it with stricter rules in 2025.

    What it means

    The development signals increased scrutiny of Nigeria’s fast-growing digital credit sector, as regulators move to address concerns around consumer debt, data privacy, and lending practices.