Sowore Slams MTN CEO’s ‘No Unlimited Data’ Claim, Hints at Protest

Human rights activist and African Action Congress (AAC) 2027 presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has faulted claims by MTN Nigeria Chief Executive Officer, Karl Toriola, that unlimited mobile data plans do not exist globally except at very high costs.

 

Toriola made the remarks during a press conference titled “Data on Trial” held in Lagos on Saturday, where he argued that unlimited data on mobile networks is not sustainable.

 

“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. There are high bundles and fair usage policies.

 

“On mobile networks, it does not really exist. There is a limit, because you can never build enough capacity for everyone to be on an unlimited bundle and you think you will provide quality service that will be decent,” Toriola said.

 

Reacting in a post on X on Sunday, Sowore dismissed the claim as inaccurate, insisting that consumers in many countries have access to truly unlimited or effectively unlimited broadband and mobile data plans at affordable rates.

 

According to him, Nigerians are paying more for poorer services compared to consumers in several other parts of the world.

 

“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.

 

“The time to #OCCUPYMTN nationwide is fast approaching!” Sowore wrote.

 

The comments come amid ongoing debate over telecom tariffs following the Nigerian Communications Commission’s approval of increases in voice, SMS and data charges earlier this year.

 

The NCC justified the adjustment by citing inflation, foreign exchange pressures and the need to support continued investment in telecommunications infrastructure.

 

MTN and other operators have maintained that mobile data in Nigeria remains among the cheapest globally despite recent tariff increases.

 

However, critics argue that consumers continue to face high costs relative to income levels, poor network quality and limited value for money compared to experiences in countries such as India, the United Kingdom and several European and African markets.