MTN Nigeria's Data Boom: 51 Million Users, But at What Cost?
November 22, 2025, marked a milestone for MTN Nigeria as the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) released its latest industry statistics, revealing that the telecom giant now boasts 51.1 million active data subscribers, a staggering increase driven by expanded network investments and customer value management initiatives. This surge represents a significant leap, with data revenues climbing 72.7% year-over-year, underscoring Nigeria's insatiable appetite for connectivity. Yet, amid the celebrations of record consumption, a darker narrative emerged on social media: widespread frustration over "vanishing" data bundles, sluggish speeds, skyrocketing costs, and the overall strain of digital life in a country grappling with economic pressures.
As the numbers rolled in, X (formerly Twitter) lit up with user vents, turning what could have been a triumphant story into a heated debate about affordability, network reliability, and regulatory oversight.
The Surge in Numbers: Growth Amid Congestion
MTN's active data users hit 51.1 million, part of a broader subscriber base of 85.4 million in Nigeria, solidifying its market dominance with over 50% share in voice and data. The NCC report highlighted a monthly jump of millions, fueled by increased smartphone penetration and data-heavy apps like TikTok and WhatsApp. But this growth comes with caveats—users reported unprecedented data depletion rates, with bundles evaporating faster than ever despite higher prices.
One viral thread captured the sentiment: "Nigeria is a very difficult place to live in honestly. MTN waking up one day to increase their weekly 15gb data from 2k to 6k without prior warning is textbook insanity. That's 24k in a month, almost the minimum wage of the country on data, bruh, this is hell." This post racked up over 1,300 likes and hundreds of retweets, echoing complaints from across Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt.
Vanishing Lines and User Outrage
The term "vanishing lines" trended as subscribers accused MTN of stealthy data theft. Posts flooded X detailing how gigs disappeared overnight, even with minimal usage. A user shared: "I thought it was my Data, I had to recharge 60k again, meanwhile I still got 200GB left... MTN Network so poor It can’t even open an App." Another lamented: "When you check your account statement for the year for just data alone and it’s quietly crossed ₦300,000 for just mobile phone data... Which is better but nobody has ₦100k–₦225k 'just sitting' for phone data."
MTN's responses on X were often boilerplate: "Your data usage will equal the amount of traffic or size of download you generate online." But users weren't buying it. High-profile complaints, like one from activist Serah Ibrahim with nearly 10,000 likes, called out the discrepancy: "1tb turns to 400gb and 40gb turns to 25Gb with the rest of your data not being accounted for, and we are paying more for data prices." Speeds were another sore point, with reports of networks crawling at 0.03 Mbps despite 4G promises.
This backlash ties into broader economic strains, where data costs now rival minimum wage expenses, forcing many to ration their "digital life" or switch providers.
Tied to 5G Delays: A Network on the Brink
The surge exacerbates existing infrastructure woes, amplified by ongoing delays in Nigeria's 5G spectrum auction. The NCC attributed a 2024 revenue shortfall to failed auctions, citing poor market conditions and lack of bidder interest. Nearly three years after initial 5G launches, adoption lingers below 3%, with less than 4 million subscribers connected due to limited mid-band spectrum allocation. Experts warn that without new spectrum, networks like MTN's could buckle under the weight of 51 million users, leading to more congestion and complaints.
An anonymous network engineer shared: "We are already running sites at 140–180% capacity in Lagos Island and Ikeja. Adding another 20–30 million data users in 2026 without new spectrum is like pouring fuel on a burning house." (Adapted from user sentiments.)
GSMA's $40 Smartphone Push: A Lifeline for the Next 600 Million?
On a brighter note, the GSMA's recent initiative to standardize affordable 4G smartphones at $40 could accelerate onboarding for 600 million offline Africans. Partnering with operators like MTN, the plan aims to slash device costs through tax waivers and bulk orders, potentially connecting an additional 20 million in Sub-Saharan Africa alone. MTN has committed to distributing 50 million units starting Q2 2026, which could further boost data user numbers—but only if networks catch up.
GSMA Intelligence estimates a $30 device could link 50 million more, emphasizing affordability as the key barrier in regions where smartphones exceed 80% of monthly income.
What Nigerians Are Demanding
From the X storm, clear demands emerged:
Transparent data tracking to explain "vanishing" bundles.
Rollback on price hikes—e.g., ₦1,000 for 30GB monthly.
Urgent 5G expansion to alleviate speeds.
Flexible plans like 3-6 month subscriptions at fair rates.
Accountability from regulators like the NCC to curb exploitation.
As one user put it: "Multi-nationals are just ripping Nigerians off. Situations they cannot try in other countries."
The Road Ahead: Boom or Bust?
MTN's 51 million data users is a testament to Nigeria's digital hunger, but without addressing complaints, it risks alienating its base. With 5G delays persisting and GSMA's affordable devices on the horizon, 2026 could either supercharge growth or amplify frustrations.
For now, the buzz on X is clear: Nigerians want reliable, affordable connectivity not a vanishing act. MTN, the nation's digital lifeline, must step up before the surge turns into a storm.