Sowore slams MTN CEO’s ‘no unlimited data’ claim, hints at protest

Activist Omoyele Sowore has directly challenged MTN Nigeria's Chief Executive Officer, Karl Toriola, over his assertion that unlimited mobile data plans are not globally available at affordable prices. Toriola had stated during a press conference that such plans are unfeasible on mobile networks, citing the impossibility of sustaining quality service with unrestricted, low-cost data access for all users.

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Liars.

Sowore, a vocal critic of Nigerian telecom operators, dismissed Toriola's claim as "false" on social media. He asserted that numerous consumers worldwide benefit from truly unlimited or effectively unlimited broadband and mobile data at prices more affordable relative to local incomes than what Nigerians pay. He highlighted that Nigerians often receive inferior service for higher costs.

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Millions of consumers around the world enjoy truly unlimited or effectively unlimited broadband and mobile data plans at prices that are often cheaper, relative to income, than what Nigerians pay for far less service.

The dispute arises as MTN Nigeria and other operators defend recent tariff adjustments, including up to a 50% increase in voice, SMS, and data tariffs, sanctioned by the Nigerian Communications Commission. These hikes were attributed to inflation, naira devaluation, and the need for investment. MTN maintains that Nigeria remains among the world's four cheapest markets for mobile data, even after the increases.

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

However, Sowore and other critics point to better consumer experiences in countries like India, parts of Europe, the UK, and some African nations where near-unlimited plans are accessible and relatively affordable. Nigerians living abroad have shared social media evidence of unlimited plans costing the equivalent of a few hours' minimum wage work, countering Toriola's statement. Sowore hinted at nationwide protests against MTN, using the hashtag #OCCUPYMTN.

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The time to #OCCUPYMTN nationwide is fast approaching!