NANS Protests Against MTN’s Tariff Hike, Shuts Down Ibadan Office

 The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has taken a firm stand against recent increases in telecommunications tariffs by staging a significant protest at the Ibadan branch of MTN Nigeria. This demonstration underscores the growing discontent among Nigerian students regarding the rising costs of essential communication services.

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has intensified its opposition to the recent 50% increase in telecommunications tariffs by staging a significant protest at the MTN office in Ibadan, Oyo State. The tariff hike, the first in over a decade, aims to revitalize Nigeria’s struggling telecom sector, which contributes about 14% to the nation’s economy. However, NANS has expressed strong opposition to the increase, arguing that it places an undue financial burden on students and the general populace.

On March 12, 2025, NANS members, under the Joint Campus Committee (JCC) in Oyo State, converged at the MTN office in Ibadan. The protesters carried placards with inscriptions protesting the hike in telecommunication tariffs, effectively paralyzing business activities at the branch.

NANS has threatened mass protests over the 50% telecom tariff hike, emphasizing the detrimental impact on students who rely heavily on affordable communication services for their academic and personal needs.

In response to the growing discontent, subscribers and stakeholders are scheduled to meet with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to discuss the tariff hike. The hike, aimed at revitalizing the struggling telecom sector, has been met with mixed reactions, prompting further dialogue between the government, service providers, and consumers.

The protest by NANS at the MTN office in Ibadan highlights the broader national debate on balancing the financial sustainability of the telecom sector with the affordability of services for consumers, particularly students. As discussions continue, stakeholders are urged to consider the socio-economic implications of tariff adjustments to ensure equitable access to essential communication services.