MTN Nigeria is facing intense criticism from consumers and industry observers after its Chief Executive Officer, Karl Toriola, stated that truly unlimited mobile data plans do not exist anywhere in the world. The remarks have reignited concerns about data depletion and the quality of telecom services in Nigeria.
CEO Defends Billing System, Dismisses Data Depletion Allegations
Speaking at the company's #DataonTrial event, Toriola sought to clarify what subscribers should expect from telecom providers. According to him, no operator can realistically offer unlimited mobile data while maintaining quality service for all users.
“The issue of unlimited data on mobile network, it does not exist anywhere in the world, except you are paying $400 a month or whatever,” he said.
He explained that what many consumers describe as unlimited plans are often subject to fair usage policies and hidden limitations. Toriola argued that network capacity constraints make it impossible to provide unrestricted data access to every subscriber without affecting service quality.
The MTN boss also rejected allegations that the company deliberately overcharges customers or accelerates data consumption. He claimed that the company's billing processes are regularly reviewed by global auditing firm KPMG and monitored by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
While defending MTN's billing integrity, Toriola admitted that the company's charging structure can sometimes be difficult to understand, even for MTN employees. He expressed confidence that ongoing investments in fibre-optic infrastructure across Nigeria would help improve internet service delivery and reduce disputes over data consumption in the future.
Consumers and Activists Reject MTN's Position
Toriola's comments have drawn sharp reactions from consumers and public figures, including activist Omoyele Sowore, who accused the telecom giant of misleading the public.
Sowore argued that many countries offer genuinely unlimited or near-unlimited broadband and mobile data packages at prices that are more affordable relative to income levels than those available in Nigeria. He maintained that Nigerian consumers deserve better service, lower costs, and fewer tariff increases.
The activist also threatened to organise a nationwide “OccupyMTN” protest to challenge what he described as poor service delivery and unfair pricing.
Several consumers echoed similar concerns online. Richard Nnorom described data depletion practices by telecom operators as unfair and called for stronger regulatory oversight. He argued that while internet speeds could be adjusted under fair usage policies, data limits should not be imposed on plans marketed as unlimited.
Another subscriber, identified as Ezechikelu, accused telecom executives of responding to criticism in the same manner as politicians. Meanwhile, a Canada-based consumer, Olu Jastro, claimed that he pays significantly less for unlimited home internet and a mobile plan abroad than Nigerians pay for comparatively lower-quality services.
The debate has further intensified public scrutiny of Nigeria's telecommunications sector, with many subscribers demanding greater transparency, improved service quality, and clearer explanations of how data usage is measured and billed. The controversy highlights the growing frustration among Nigerian consumers who feel that telecom operators are not delivering value for money.
