MTN Nigeria’s Ibadan Branch Paralyzed by Student Protest Over Tariff Hikes
Business activities at the Ibadan branch of MTN Nigeria came to a standstill on Wednesday as members of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) staged a protest against the recent increase in telecommunications tariffs.
The protest, organized by the Joint Campus Committee (JCC) in Oyo State, involved students blocking the main entrance of MTN at Mobil Roundabout with their “Aluta bus.” They carried placards bearing messages such as “Enough is enough! Tariff hike is a scam!” to voice their grievances.
As a result of the protest, customers and staff found themselves unable to enter the premises. Comrade Tiamiyu Ademola, the Executive Chairman of NANS/JCC in Oyo, announced that the protest would not be limited to MTN, indicating plans to extend their actions to other telecom service providers.
“This protest is part of a broader movement to engage with policymakers. We are prepared to continue until the government and service providers meet our demands,” Ademola stated. He emphasized the increasing hardship faced by Nigerians, pointing out that data subscriptions had risen by more than 100%, making it increasingly difficult for users.
“We demand the reversal of both call and data tariffs to their original prices. Unlike some government officials, we do not receive allowances; we rely on the hard-earned income of our parents,” he added.
Samuel Adeleke, the state Chief of Staff for NANS/JCC, expressed concerns for students struggling with academic pursuits due to unsustainable data costs. “Many students find it challenging to conduct research, complete final year projects, and engage in other academic activities because of the exorbitant data tariffs,” he noted.
Adeleke urged the government to urgently address these issues, emphasizing the need to consider the welfare of students for the nation’s future.
Meanwhile, Funso Aina, Senior Manager of External Relations at MTN Nigeria, was unavailable to comment on the ongoing protest due to a meeting.
Earlier this year, Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) claimed they received approval from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to raise telecom rates by 50%. This hike was prompted by various factors, including inflation, fuel subsidy removal, and naira devaluation, leading to increased operational costs.
The tariff increases have drawn criticism from multiple organizations, including the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), student groups, and Civil Society Organizations, all expressing their concerns over the impact on consumers.