Human rights activist and African Action Congress (AAC) 2027 presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has faulted comments by MTN Nigeria Chief Executive Officer, Karl Toriola, who stated that genuine unlimited mobile data plans do not exist except at extremely high prices.
Toriola made the remarks on Saturday during a Lagos press conference tagged **“Data on Trial,”** where he argued that mobile network operators cannot provide unlimited data to all subscribers while maintaining quality service. According to him, unrestricted data usage on mobile networks is unsustainable, adding that even markets advertising unlimited plans often operate under fair usage policies or charge about $400 monthly.
Responding through a post on X on Sunday, Sowore dismissed the claim, describing it as misleading. He maintained that many countries offer consumers truly unlimited or near-unlimited broadband and mobile data packages at prices that are relatively more affordable than what Nigerians currently pay.
The activist, who has repeatedly criticised Nigerian telecommunications companies over high tariffs and poor service quality, insisted that subscribers deserve better value for their money rather than persistent price increases and unreliable networks.
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.”
Sowore also hinted at a possible nationwide protest against MTN, declaring that the time to “#OCCUPYMTN” across the country was drawing near.
The exchange comes amid ongoing public debate over recent telecommunications tariff adjustments approved by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). Earlier in 2025, the regulator approved increases of up to 50 per cent in the cost of voice calls, SMS, and data services, citing inflation, naira depreciation, and the need to sustain investment in network infrastructure.
Despite the hikes, MTN has maintained that Nigeria remains one of the four cheapest markets globally for mobile data. However, critics, including Sowore, argue that consumers in countries such as India, the United Kingdom, parts of Europe, and some African nations enjoy better service and access to near-unlimited data plans at comparatively affordable rates.
Following Toriola’s comments, several Nigerians living abroad shared screenshots of data plans on social media, claiming that unlimited packages in their countries cost the equivalent of only a few hours of minimum-wage earnings.