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Subscribers React As MTN Raises Data Prices To Reflect 50% Tariff Hike

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Nigerian subscribers are reportedly switching to alternative network providers following a sharp increase in MTN Nigeria’s data and SMS tariffs.

The telecommunications giant recently implemented a price adjustment of up to 50 per cent on its data bundles and SMS rates, sparking widespread backlash.

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Reports from affected users indicate that the 15GB data plan has increased from N4,500 to N6,500, while the 20GB plan now costs N7,500, up from N5,500. The hike is even steeper for larger plans, with the 1.5TB 90-day package surging from N150,000 to N240,000 and the 600GB 90-day plan rising from N75,000 to ₦120,000. SMS rates have also increased from N4 to N6 per message.

The development has sparked frustration, with many Nigerians taking to social media to express their dissatisfaction. Social media user @not_ahmedjunior lamented, “It’s nearly impossible for the average Nigerian to progress. The 15GB data plan that used to cost N2,000 is now N6,000.”

READ ALSO: Four Declared Wanted Over Foiled Drug Shipments To Saudi Arabia, Qatar

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Similarly, another user, @official_GZU, pointed out that the price hike reflects the country’s economic realities rather than a random decision.

Complaining won’t change anything because telecom operators operate within a profit-driven system. Prices are influenced by inflation, currency devaluation, and market forces,” he said.

Adding to the frustration, media platform OloriSuperGal reported that MTN has also discontinued its “Hot Deals” package (*121#), which previously offered discounted data plans.

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This increase exceeds the 50% hike reportedly approved by the federal government and contradicts MTN’s initial proposal of a 150% increase, which was rejected by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). Subscribers were further shocked as the price adjustment took effect earlier than expected, despite ongoing discussions with the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC).

READ ALSO: Nigeria, UAE Amend Air Service Agreement

The sudden price increase has triggered a wave of backlash, with subscribers already struggling with Nigeria’s economic challenges expressing their frustration online. Many have called on MTN to reconsider its decision, while some are advocating for a boycott.

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One user, Khan, wrote: “I think it’s high time we boycotted MTN. Their network is terrible, and their data plans are a rip-off. The 15GB package doesn’t even last three days. During the protest, they deliberately sabotaged their own network to prevent it from happening.”

Another user, Silva, tweeted: “Nigeria is a very difficult place to live in, honestly. MTN waking up one day to increase their weekly 15GB data from 2K to 6K without prior warning is textbook insanity. That’s 24K in a month—almost the minimum wage of the country spent on data. This is hell.”

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Similarly, @neefenawti criticized the government’s regulatory stance, saying: “I won’t even blame MTN. In a country where the president said he does not believe in price control, what do you expect? The government is watching people plunge further into poverty.”

While MTN has yet to issue an official statement explaining the price increase, the decision has left many subscribers feeling shortchanged. With Airtel, Globacom, and 9mobile yet to announce similar hikes, there is growing speculation about whether MTN’s move will influence competitors or lead to a shift in customer loyalty.

As the situation unfolds, Nigerians are calling for urgent regulatory intervention to ensure affordability and transparency in telecom pricing.

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UNIBEN School of Dentistry Holds Free Oral Health Outreach, Unveils Remodeled Dental Clinic On Campus

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The Dean, School of Dentistry, University of Benin (UNIBEN), Prof.(Mrs) Idia Ize-Iyamu on Wednesday flagged-off the institution’s School of Dentistry free Oral Health Outreach and treatment programme, tagged” Operation Know Your Oral Health Status and Take Control of your General Health “.

Prof. Ize-Iyamu, who is the Chief Medical Director (CMD) designate of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) said the exercise was to herald the 10th Distinguished Lecture Series and the Annual Scientific Conference of the University of Benin School of Dentistry in collaboration with the Department of Community Dental Health , the department of Periodontics and the UNIBEN Health Centre Dental.

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Prof Ize-Iyamu also performed the
Commissioning of the Renovated and fully equipped dental clinic in UNIBEN donated by the family of Dr. Victor Ovbiagele of blessed memory.

She noted that the University of Benin School of Dentistry is committed to educating the people on the many benefits of oral health hygiene.

READ ALSO: UNIBEN Appoints New Vice Chancellor

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Prof. Ize-Iyamu hailed the visionary leadership of the University of Benin Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Edoba Omoregie for investing and improving the physical facilities, equipment, and remodeling of the institution’s health centre .

Prof. Ize-Iyamu pledged her commitment to enhance quality of care by ensuring that healthcare services are delivered to a high standard, with skilled personnel and adherence to best practices.

We are giving back to the society by way of this free Oral Health Outreach and treatment programme. Our Vice-Chancellor’s mandate is to ensure staff and students’ welfare .This event is in commemoration of 10th public lecture series and our School of Dentistry Annual Scientific Conference .”She said.

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While commissioning the UNIBEN dental clinic, Prof. Ize-Iyamu charged alumni to pick a project as part of their contribution to their Alma mater.

READ ALSO: UNIBEN Veterinary Medicine Faculty Shut Down Over Non-accreditation

She expressed appreciation to the Ovbiagele family for the renovation of the dental clinic, saying the family of Dr Victor Ovbiagele have etched their name in gold as a result of the donation of the dental clinic.

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The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) at the University of Benin Prof. Christopher Osubor, who represented the Vice-Chancellor, Prof . Edoba Omoregie said the university community is proud to identify with the school of dentistry for organizing the free dental care and treatment outreach for staff and students.

The DVC described the renovated and fully equipped dental clinic in UNIBEN as a world-class healthcare facility.

In his remark, Dean Faculty of Law (UNIBEN) Prof. Bright Bazuaye expressed his appreciation to the dean of the school of Dentistry (UNIBEN), Prof. (Mrs) Idia Ize-Iyamu and the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Edoba Omoregie (SAN) for extending the free dental care gesture to staff and students of the faculty of law.

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READ ALSO:Protest, Unrest Looms As BEDC Disconnects UNIBEN From National Grid

On his part, Chairman Local Organizing Committee (LOC), School of Dentistry free Oral Health Outreach and treatment, Dr. Philip Ogordi said over 150 staff and students of the UNIBEN faculty of Law benefited in the exercise aimed at ensuring staff and students’ wellbeing in terms of oral health hygiene.

Ogordi said the free dental health care treatment is in line with the mandate of the institution’s Vice Chancellor, Prof Edoba Omoregie (SAN) vision to promote the overall well-being of staff and students on campus.

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Ohioma Ovbiagele, son of the Late Edo Commissioner of Health, who spoke on behalf of the Ovbiagele family, said that the renovated and fully equipped dental clinic is in commemoration of the 20 years remembrance of their patriarch, Late Dr. Victor Oamien Ovbiagele .

Personalities at the event include Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, Justice Roland Amaize (rtd), Dr. Dan Aigbavboa, Ven. David Egbenusi, Prof. Wilson Sadoh, Prof. Osawe Omoregie, Prof. Joan Enabulele and Mrs Rosemary Ovbiagele, matriarch of the family of the former Edo Commissioner of Health, Dr. Victor Ovbiagele of blessed memory and donor of the renovated dental clinic at UNIBEN among others.

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FG Gives KWAM 1 Aviation Appointment, After Airport Incident

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The Federal Government has announced plans to engage Fuji star, Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as KWAM 1, as an ambassador for proper airport security protocol, after the recent controversy over his conduct at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

‎This was disclosed on Wednesday by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, in a statement outlining resolutions to recent cases of unruly behaviour at Nigerian airports.

‎Keyamo said the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority had agreed to reduce KWAM 1’s flight ban to one month and would work with the musician to promote awareness on acceptable conduct within the aviation space.

‎The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria will lead the engagement process.

READ ALSO:Man Jailed For Cybercrime, Forfeits Cars, Land, $42,000 To FG

‎”The NCAA is to reduce his flight ban to a one-month period. FAAN will also work with the music star with a view to engaging him as an ambassador for proper airport security protocol going forward.

‎”Having publicly demonstrated penitence, the NCAA is also to withdraw its criminal complaints against KWAM 1 earlier lodged with the police,” the statement read.

‎The minister added that the decision followed appeals from well-meaning individuals, as well as KWAM 1’s public show of penitence over the August 5 incident in which he allegedly obstructed a ValueJet aircraft’s movement.

‎Keyamo also revealed that the NCAA would withdraw its criminal complaints against the artiste.

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READ ALSO:NCAA Stops Fuji Star K1 De Ultimate From Flying For Six Months

‎The development comes days after the musician apologised to the public, insisting the flask he carried on the day of the incident contained water for medical reasons and not alcohol, as was alleged by security personnel.

‎The minister emphasised that the clemency was granted on “compassionate grounds” , warning that the government remained committed to enforcing safety and security laws in the aviation sector.

‎On August 5, KWAM 1 was involved in a confrontation with airline staff and security officials at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, while attempting to board a ValueJet flight to Lagos.

READ ALSO: Air Peace Jet Hits Antelope At Asaba Airport, NCAA Reacts

He was accused of carrying a prohibited flask believed to contain alcohol, spilling its contents on personnel, and later walking onto the aircraft’s tarmac, allegedly blocking the plane from taxiing.

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority described the act as a breach of aviation safety regulations and initially placed him on a six-month no-fly list while filing a criminal complaint with the police.

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Gov. Mohammed Flags Off Cybernation Program In Bauchi, Targets 100, 000 Citizens On Digital Skill

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In a determined move to position Bauchi State as a hub for digital innovation and a technologically-driven state, Governor Bala Mohammed on Tuesday flagged off what he called a “Cybernations” program–
an intensive cybersecurity training initiative.

This ambitious program known as the Digital Literacy and Skill Framework Bauchi Initiative, the project, developed in collaboration with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), will provide basic digital skills training to more than 100,000 citizens by 2027.

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Speaking at the launching in Bauchi on Tuesday, the governor said the initiative “marks a turning point for our state’s economic future” and will ensure that citizens, especially young people, can participate fully in the global digital economy.

He added that DL4ALL will integrate digital education into schools and workforce development policies, creating a talent pipeline for both local and international employers.

He also said it will offer advanced training to 2,000 youths in high-demand technology fields such as software development, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity among others.

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He said, “We acknowledge that Information Technology is today and in the foreseeable future the fastest growing industry and one with increasing capacity to absorb young people with skills. Its advantage is such that everyone can undertake training and acquire skills, be certified and create a sustainable source of livelihood leveraging on its power.

“Our vision is clear: to transform Bauchi into a digitally inclusive, economically vibrant, and innovation-driven state. We aim to harness technology not just as a tool, but as a catalyst for economic diversification, human capital development, and social transformation.”

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Also, the Managing Director, Galaxy Backbone, Professor Ibrahim Adeyanju in a goodwill message Harped on the importance of cybersecurity awareness in today’s digital age.

He highlighted the need for collective efforts to equip Nigerians with the knowledge and tools necessary to thrive in a digital society.

He added that through visionary leadership of Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Muhammed, Galaxy Backbone has successfully extended its digital infrastructure to Bauchi via fibre optic connectivity and deployed 3 eLTE base stations to deliver true broadband internet access.

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READ ALSO: Return To PDP, Bauchi Gov Tells Peter Obi

Country Representative of Protexxa’s Abi -Hafsat Abubakar, described the initiative as a gateway to over 3,5 million global cyber security jobs.

“The Cyber Nation programme, in partnership with Protexxa Inc, is the first of its kind in Nigeria and second in Africa, whereby 500 youths will be trained as certified cyber security experts with dire f pathway to local and international employment, including opportunities to earn foreign currency”.

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Speaking in the same vein, the Director General Bauchi State Bureau for Information and Communication Technology, (BICTDE), Hayatudeen Babamaji noted that the Bauchi State Cyber Nations Program, in partnership with Protexxa Inc., under the leadership of Governor Balance Mohammed is a pioneering initiative the first of its kind in Nigeria and second in Africa.

Babamaji added that the program will train youths to become world-class cybersecurity professionals, equipping them with the skills to protect critical infrastructure and participate competitively in the global digital economy.

As we launch these programs, I want to reaffirm that this is not random. Our vision is clear, our direction is set, and with the collaborative programs such as these, we will achieve our goal of making Bauchi State an ICT hub not just for the North East region but whole of Nigeria and beyond”.

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Other critical stakeholders include the Chief Operating Officer, Protexxa Inc. Canada, Rick Huijbregts, Executive Vice Chairman, Nigerian Communication Commission,(NCC) Dr. Aminu Maida, National Commissioner, Nigeria Data Protection Commission, Dr. Vincent Olatunji and MD, Nigerian Communication Satellite Limited, Mrs Nkechi Idehen among others.

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