MTN Ole” – Sowore Blows Hot Leads Protest At MTN Office Over The High Cost of Data (Full Details)

Omoyele Sowore on Tuesday led a protest at MTN Nigeria’s office in Abuja over the rising cost of mobile data, accusing the telecom giant of exploitative pricing. Chanting “MTN ole, MTN ole!” Sowore and a group of supporters gathered at the company’s premises to demand an immediate review of data tariffs.

Videos circulating online show the activist and former presidential candidate standing outside the MTN office with protesters, repeatedly chanting “MTN ole!”—a Yoruba phrase implying theft—while calling attention to what they described as unfair charges imposed on subscribers.

The group said the continuous increase in data costs is placing an additional burden on Nigerians already struggling with economic hardship.

Sowore, known for his activism and advocacy on governance and economic issues, told supporters that access to affordable internet is no longer a luxury but a necessity. He argued that students, small business owners and young Nigerians who rely on digital platforms for work and communication are being squeezed by rising subscription rates.

The protesters demanded transparency in pricing and urged regulatory authorities to intervene. They questioned why data costs continue to climb despite widespread complaints from consumers.

Some participants held placards while others recorded the protest live on social media, amplifying their message beyond the physical location.

MTN Nigeria, one of the country’s largest telecommunications providers, serves millions of subscribers nationwide. In recent months, telecom operators have faced increased operational costs linked to inflation, foreign exchange pressures and infrastructure expenses.

Industry stakeholders have previously argued that tariff adjustments are necessary to sustain network expansion and service quality.

However, consumer groups maintain that frequent increases without corresponding improvements in service quality are unacceptable. Complaints about slow internet speeds, network outages and high subscription fees have remained common across social media platforms.

The Abuja protest adds to growing public conversations about the cost of telecommunications services in Nigeria. As more aspects of daily life—including banking, education, remote work and entertainment—move online, data affordability has become a central issue for many households….See More