Sowore Sparks Controversy With Strong Words For MTN CEO

Nigerian activist Omoyele Sowore has criticized the Chief Executive Officer of MTN Nigeria, Karl Toriola, over his recent remarks regarding unlimited mobile data plans.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Toriola had stated that unlimited data plans are not available anywhere in the world at affordable rates, arguing that such packages are economically unsustainable for mobile network operators unless priced at very high levels.

Speaking at a press conference titled “Data on Trial” held in Lagos on Saturday, the MTN boss maintained that no telecom operator can guarantee consistent service quality if all customers are given unrestricted access to data at low cost.

Reacting in a post on X (formerly Twitter), Sowore dismissed the claim as misleading, insisting that millions of users globally have access to unlimited or near-unlimited broadband and mobile data at relatively affordable rates compared to income levels in Nigeria.

The African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, known for his criticism of telecom pricing and service quality in Nigeria, also suggested the possibility of a nationwide protest against MTN.

He wrote: “Liars. 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. Nigerians deserve affordable, reliable, and genuinely consumer-friendly telecommunications services, not endless tariff hikes, poor network quality, and excuses. The time to #OCCUPYMTN nationwide is fast approaching!”

The exchange comes amid ongoing debates between telecom operators and consumers over recent tariff adjustments approved by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

In early 2025, the NCC authorized up to a 50 percent increase in voice, SMS, and data tariffs, citing rising inflation, currency depreciation, and the need to sustain investment in the sector.