In today’s Nigeria, where inflation has skyrocketed and the cost of living continues to rise, the recent 50% increase in data prices has sparked intense debate. For a nation that is increasingly reliant on the digital economy—where businesses, education, and daily communication hinge on internet access—this price hike raises serious questions about sustainability, accessibility, and economic inclusion.
At CSR-in-Action, we have always championed the principle that sustainability goes beyond environmental concerns; it must also encompass economic and social equity. The recent developments in Nigeria’s telecommunications sector bring to light the critical intersection between business sustainability and consumer affordability.
The Balancing Act: Business Viability vs. Consumer Accessibility
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) approved this tariff increase in January 2025, citing rising operational costs, inflation, and the need to sustain service quality as key factors behind the decision. The major service providers—MTN, Airtel, Glo, and 9mobile—complied with the directive in February 2025, leading to a significant shift in data pricing:
- MTN’s 1GB daily plan jumped from ₦350 to ₦525, while its 25GB monthly plan moved from ₦6,500 to ₦9,750.
- Airtel’s 10GB monthly plan rose from ₦3,000 to ₦4,500, a near 50% increase.
- Glo’s 1GB daily plan climbed from ₦200 to ₦500, making affordability a concern for lower-income users.
- 9mobile’s 9.5GB monthly plan now costs ₦3,750 instead of ₦2,500, reflecting the uniform increase across networks.
On the surface, these changes may seem drastic, but they reveal an underlying challenge: the cost of sustainability itself.
Sustainable Pricing: Who Really Pays the Price?
The conversation around sustainability often focuses on corporate responsibility and environmental action, but it is equally important to discuss economic sustainability—ensuring that businesses remain viable without excluding the people they serve.
Telecom providers argue that operational costs have soared, driven by:
- Infrastructure expenses, including laying fiber-optic cables and maintaining network towers
- Energy costs, with diesel and electricity prices rising significantly due to economic instability
- Technology upgrades, as 5G networks and digital expansion require heavy investment
From a business perspective, maintaining 2019-era pricing in 2025 would mean operating at a loss, cutting jobs, or reducing service quality—none of which are sustainable options. But on the flip side, a 50% price increase places a heavier burden on everyday Nigerians, especially students, small business owners, and lower-income households who rely on affordable data to survive in the digital economy.
So, where is the middle ground? How can businesses remain profitable while ensuring that essential services remain accessible?
CSR-in-Action’s Perspective: Transparency, Stakeholder Engagement, and Equitable Policies
At CSR-in-Action, we believe that sustainability should be a shared responsibility between businesses, regulators, and consumers. Through our work in corporate governance, ESG reporting, and stakeholder engagement, we have seen how companies that prioritise transparency and proactive engagement are more likely to find sustainable solutions that balance profit and public interest.
What can be done?
- Transparent Cost Breakdown: Service providers must clearly communicate why pricing adjustments are necessary, showing consumers how costs are structured. This can build trust and reduce backlash.
- Tiered Pricing Models: Not every consumer has the same data needs. Introducing flexible, low-cost plans for students, entrepreneurs, and low-income users could ensure that essential internet access remains affordable.
- Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs): The Nigerian government and telecom companies should collaborate on subsidised internet programs, ensuring universal access to digital resources without overburdening service providers.
- ESG-Driven Business Models: Companies that integrate sustainability and social impact into their core business strategies not only secure long-term profitability but also foster customer loyalty and industry leadership.
Final Thought: Sustainability is a Two-Way Street
The real conversation about sustainability in Nigeria is not just about keeping businesses afloat or making services affordable—it is about designing economic systems that work for everyone. If telecom providers, regulators, and consumers can engage in meaningful dialogue, sustainable pricing structures that do not exclude the most vulnerable can be achieved.
At CSR-in-Action, we remain committed to advocating for equitable, transparent, and sustainable business practices. The digital economy is not just a luxury—it is the future. And for that future to be inclusive, we must ensure that no one is priced out of access.
What are your thoughts on the recent data price hikes? Should affordability be prioritised over business sustainability, or is there a middle ground? Join the conversation.