Telecom
ATCIS, Telecom Subscribers Group Kicks against Push by Telcos to Hike Tariff
Telecom subscribers, under the aegis of Association of Telephones, Cable TV and Internet Subscribers of Nigeria (ATCIS), recently kicked against the push by Nigeria mobile network operators (MNOs) to increase end user tariff on calls, data and others.
They say it is akin to putting the cart before the horse, insisting that customer experience on the network should precede any tariff hike.
The MNOs had, through the Association of Licensed Companies of Nigeria (ALTON), warned about likely service disruptions in the country should they be restricted to charging a tariff that does not cover their cost of operation, citing micro and macro economic headwinds in the country.
But ATCIS at a press conference in Lagos at the weekend, vehemently opposed the proposed tariff hike arguing that acceding to such a demand by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) will inevitably increase the burden of economic reform in the country.
Sina Bilesanmi, president, ATCIS, described the timing of the proposed tariff increase as “most insensitive” given the prevailing economic challenges faced by Nigerians.
“We are concerned that this strident call for a tariff hike is most unwelcome. It will impoverish telecom subscribers further, considering the realities on ground.
“We see it as most insensitive as it will impoverish our members the more in view of the realities on ground.
“The telcos have blamed the rising cost of diesel for powering their base transceiver stations (BTS) as one of the major reasons for the current clamour for tariff hike. We say no to any hike at this time with declining service quality.
“We say no to any hike without the consultation of consumer advocacy bodies such as ours. We reject any tariff hike without improved service quality. We align with the position of the NCC on this. The telcos shouldn’t resort to subtle threats and blackmail to get the approval of the NCC to hike tariffs,” he said.
He highlighted the significant contribution of the telecom sector to the nation’s gross domestic product (GDP) but emphasized that this does not justify burdening consumers with increased costs.
“While we understand the industry faces challenges, we believe any tariff increase will place an undue burden on consumers, many of whom are already struggling with the current economic situation,” ATCIS president added.
ATCIS urged the NCC to intervene, saying: “We urge the telecom companies to show restraint in implementing these increases and to explore ways to minimize the impact on vulnerable consumers, most of whom are our members, the many voiceless Nigerians.”
ATCIS also demanded transparency from telecom companies, stating: “We call for full transparency on the justification for this increase and the expected benefits to consumers.
“We demand that telecom companies improve service quality in line with the increased tariffs which the experiences of our members on the network have shown.”
Also speaking at the event, Mr. Sam Oladipupo, welfare manager at ATCIS, underscored the need for fair billing practices and open stakeholder consultations before any tariff hike.
“Subscribers are tired of arbitrary charges and unexplained deductions. There should be transparency in billing and customers should be fully informed about any changes to their plans. The N4 we pay for SMS should not even be in the first place,” he said.
Oladipupo also called on telecom operators to reward loyal customers and show empathy to subscribers facing economic hardship. “It is important for telecom companies to recognize the value of their long-standing customers and support those struggling financially, especially at this time that most homes are struggling to make ends meet,” he added.
ATCIS vowed to continue advocating for fair pricing, quality service, and the protection of consumer interests in Nigeria’s telecom sector just as it also emphasized its commitment to working with the telecom industry and the regulator to find solutions that protect consumers while ensuring the sustainability of the sector.
Telecoms giant, MTN Nigeria, has announced the disbursement of over ₦290 million to more than 1,500 winners in its ongoing Mega Billion Promo.
L-R: Deji Roberts, Assistant Director, Nigerian Communications Commission, Lagos Zonal Office; Ugonwa Nwoye, Chief Customer Relations and Experience Officer, MTN Nigeria; Femi Yusuf, 10 Million MTN Mega Billion Promo Jackpot Winner; Efe Kwado, MTN Mega Billion Promo Winner; Onyinye Ikenna-Emeka, Chief Marketing Officer, MTN Nigeria and Samuel Rowland, Chief Operations Officer, Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority at the MTN Mega Billion Promo Media Parley held on Saturday, July 19, 2025 at the MTN Rooftop Events Centre Plaza, Ikoyi.
The update was shared during a live event held on July 19 at the company’s Rooftop Events Centre in Lagos. Representatives from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority, MTN executives, journalists and selected promo winners were in attendance.
Speaking at the event, Onyinye Ikenna-Emeka, MTN’s Chief Marketing Officer, stated that the initiative was launched to support loyal customers during difficult times. “In the last couple of years, it’s been a tough time for the average Nigerian. This promo is one of our ways of making life better for our customers,” she said.
Ikenna-Emeka revealed that the promo has produced over 1,500 winners, including three jackpot winners, 20 winners of ₦5 million each, and more than 100 winners of ₦100,000. She added that the company remains committed to rewarding customers transparently.
One of the jackpot winners, Femi Yusuf, who won ₦10 million, shared his excitement. “I thought it was one of those promos where nothing comes out of it. My wife was the one who spotted my number during the live draw,” he said. When asked about the delivery of his prize, he replied, “Fast and fast. MTN, no scam.”
The event also featured live calls to new winners, including a woman identified as Motunrayo, who won ₦2 million. She expressed joy over the unexpected win, saying, “I’m so grateful. Thanks so much.”
Debo Agun, Senior Manager, Consumer Segment (Mass Market), explained the mechanics of the promo. He said participation is free and open to MTN subscribers who dial *900# to opt in. Airtime purchases serve as entries—₦100 worth of airtime equals one entry, and customers can win multiple times.
Agun stated that 63 winners are selected daily from Monday to Friday, while Saturdays feature 104 winners, including a ₦10 million jackpot. Other prizes range from ₦25,000 to ₦2 million and are paid into customers’ MoMo wallets. Those without wallets can create one by dialing *671#.
Promo draws are conducted and streamed live on MTN’s Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook channels. Independent partners oversee the process to maintain credibility and fairness.
The promo began on June 23 and runs for 90 days.
Telecoms giant MTN Group has partnered with MTV Base to launch the Room of Safety campaign, a youth-led movement aimed at raising awareness on internet safety and digital wellbeing for children and young people across Africa.
The initiative, a major part of MTN’s Help Children Be Children campaign, seeks to address growing concerns around cyberbullying, grooming, misinformation, and other forms of online harm. Through this collaboration, MTN will leverage MTV Base’s extensive reach across youth audiences to drive impactful change.
Central to the campaign is the premiere of a 10-part short-form docu-series titled Room of Safety, which kicks off on July 20, 2025, at 16:00 on MTV Base (DStv channel 322). Episodes will also stream on MTV Base South’s digital platforms including Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok.
Each episode will feature real-life stories, expert interviews, and practical resources to help young viewers identify digital threats and take proactive steps. The series also encourages youth to speak up about negative experiences online and shows them how to report abuse.
A statement from MTN Group emphasized the importance of equipping young Africans with the knowledge and confidence to navigate digital spaces safely, adding that the campaign aims to normalize conversations around digital ethics and mental health within families, schools and peer groups.
The launch is backed by social media engagement and outreach activities targeted at schools, creators, and community organizations across multiple African countries.
MENXTT Technology NG has introduced a fresh lineup of USA-specification smartphones alongside its existing range of laptops, accessories, and software tools in a major move to redefine tech quality and customer satisfaction in Nigeria.
The firm, which operates as a fully online IT service provider, is focused on bridging the gap between businesses and customers by offering seamless tech procurement, deployment, and after-sales support.
According to Anthony Emeka Nwosu, Director of Communication and Customer Retention, the company is committed to restoring consumer trust in tech purchases through guaranteed quality, extended warranties, and structured support.
Nwosu stated that the decision to supply USA-grade devices was borne out of frustration with substandard options in the market and zero accountability.
He said MENXTT was built to be responsive, dependable, and quality-driven, assuring customers that they would not be left alone after purchase.
With services covering laptops, accessories, website development, software deployment, and IT support, MENXTT promises to take technology directly to the client with less stress.
The company, located at 8a Oje Imeviani Street, Julie Estate, Oregun, Ikeja, Lagos, is also noted for its tech-enabled structure that allows users to access solutions from anywhere in Nigeria through its online platform.
Customers can reach MENXTT Technology NG via email: info@menxtt.com.ng or website: menxtt.ng.
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