* Businesses, job seekers, students lament digital crazy bills

*Entrepreneurs count losses, fear business collapse

* Nigerians call for urgent regulatory intervention

By Sade Adewale, Kayode Olabanji, Adeboye Ado, Kayode Afolabi

Nigerians are reeling under the burden of an unprecedented surge in data prices, with the cost of internet access soaring beyond the reach of many.

The price hike, which took effect in February 2025, has seen the cost of 1GB of data rise from N300 to N800, a staggering 166.67% increase. 

This development has thrown businesses, students, and job seekers into distress, as digital connectivity becomes increasingly unaffordable.

In separate interviews with Weekend Hope,

stakeholders have, therefore, called on the Federal Government and regulatory agencies to take immediate action to prevent further economic hardship and ensure affordable access to the internet.

They stressed that entrepreneurs who depend on digital platforms for marketing and sales have been hit hard by the rising cost of data, with many lamenting a decline in customer engagement and business performance.

An Ondo State-based communications business owner, Bashir Akinjobi, decried the adverse impact on both businesses and individuals.

He said: “People hardly buy data since the price hike. I can’t blame my customers, as what used to cost N300 per gigabyte, is now N800. Data has become a necessity, even more than call credit. This increase is not just affecting individuals, but also the economy at large.”

Similarly, Chief Executive Officer of Jostech Global Communication, Mr Joshua Erindamilola, underscored the potential risks to Nigeria’s digital economy.

“Nothing operates without data these days. If this price surge continues, both telecom companies and consumers will suffer. Fewer customers mean lower sales for network providers. The government must intervene by working with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and telecom companies to find a solution that benefits everyone.”

For small business owners, the price increase has placed them in a precarious financial position. Mrs Oluwadamilola Oloye, an entrepreneur, highlighted the difficulties faced by business owners in adapting to the new cost realities.

“I can no longer use the internet as I used to, and it’s hurting my business. The situation is becoming unbearable. The government must step in,” she stated.

On his part, the CEO, Uncle Myk’s Digital Hub in Akure, Mr Michael Oluwabiyi, , attributed the crisis to the government’s economic policies, accusing telecom providers of exploiting the situation.

His words: “The government’s policies are largely responsible for this crisis, and telecom providers are taking advantage of the situation. The recent increase in the minimum wage to N77,000 is meaningless if the cost of goods and services, including data, keeps rising.”

For Nigerian students and job seekers, the rising cost of internet access has made it increasingly difficult to sustain online activities, with many being forced to cut back on educational and job-related digital engagements.

A student of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), Samuel Adebusoye, who also works as a writer and graphic designer, lamented the growing financial strain.

“I used to buy data with the pocket money meant for my feeding, but now things have become very difficult. The cost of data has doubled, making it hard for me to afford both food and internet access. Before, I could buy 15GB of data for N3,500, but now the same amount costs N7,000. Since I work online as a blogger, I have no choice, but to manage the little I can afford,” he said.

Adebusoye further called on the National Assembly to summon telecom providers to justify the sudden increase in data prices.

Similarly, another student, Damilola, explained that she had been forced to ration her internet usage to only essential academic activities.

“As a student, there are so many things I need to check on the internet, so I only use the internet for what benefits me.”

In the same vein, Oluwaseun Adeoye, a student of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, raised highbrows at the rising cost of data subscriptions in Nigeria, which he said was no longer funny, as the hike in price had affected social media activities.

According to him, “I have stopped live streaming unnecessary comedies, and I share data plans with friends or family members to split the cost. Government should regulate data prices to make them accessible to the masses, the average earners, and the elite.”

Also speaking with Weekend Hope, David Alade, a data seller, said the high cost of data had slowed economic growth, as brands and businesses were unable to access a wider audience.

Alade said this had crippled businesses because some organisations were offering free data initiatives or partnering with telecom companies to provide affordable internet access.

A job seeker, Funmilayo Omowumi, noted that the economic strain had significantly affected her job search, as internet access remains essential for employment opportunities.

Omowumi said: “Seeking a job in this period is not easy, and the use of the internet is very crucial. But we are coping with the limited access we have now.”

Amid widespread discontent, Nigerians have continued to express frustration over the rising cost of data, urging the government to intervene and regulate pricing.

A civil servant, Mr Adeoni Ojo, condemned the price increase, describing it as ‘unfair and insensitive.’

“Life is already difficult for most people, and this added burden only deepens the suffering. Instead of helping to ease the situation, these companies have chosen to compound our problems by making internet access more expensive,” he said.

Ojo called on the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), to take decisive action against telecom operators exploiting consumers.

Similarly, an online trader, Sola Aborisade, decried the financial implications of the price hike, lamenting that she could no longer afford to keep her mobile data active like she used to do, emphasising that government should take cues from Western nations where residents enjoy free or subsidised internet services

Economic experts have warned that the continuous rise in data prices poses a serious threat to Nigeria’s digital economy, potentially slowing down growth in innovation, e-commerce, and remote job opportunities.

An economist, Mr Ibikunle, cautioned that failure to address the issue could have long-term consequences on Nigeria’s economic trajectory.

Ibikunle who frowned at the situation, said: “We are only coping because we have an alternative now, but if the government and regulatory bodies do not take necessary action on time, I am afraid it can lead to a total shutdown in the country. We are in a vast economy where internet services are highly required, and anything that leads to a decline in economic growth should not be allowed to happen.”

Also, Mr Emeka Ugochukwu said the government should stop the arbitrary increase in shipping traffic, VAT, and taxes to make internet access easier for the masses.

Ugochukwu added: “Since data is the sole means of connectivity and a liaison medium between brands and customers, the government should make it affordable by providing free Wi-Fi at designated places such as schools, hospitals, and car parks.”

Stakeholders have urged the NCC to introduce policies that prevent arbitrary price hikes and ensure fair pricing mechanisms in the telecommunications sector. 

Some experts have also proposed government-backed free Wi-Fi zones in public spaces as a way to mitigate the burden on low-income earners and students.

With internet access now considered a necessity rather than a luxury, there is a growing consensus that urgent intervention is required to prevent further economic hardship.