Human rights activist and African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has criticized MTN Nigeria CEO Karl Toriola over his assertion that truly unlimited mobile data plans do not exist globally except at very high prices.
Speaking at a Lagos press conference titled “Data on Trial,” Toriola argued that unlimited data on mobile networks is generally unsustainable because no operator can provide unrestricted access to every user while maintaining quality service. He said that what many providers call unlimited plans often come with fair usage limits or significant restrictions.
Sowore rejected the claim, describing it as false. In a post on X, he argued that millions of consumers around the world enjoy genuinely unlimited or effectively unlimited internet plans at prices that are affordable relative to local incomes. He maintained that Nigerians deserve better value, improved network quality, and more consumer-friendly telecom services.
The activist also hinted at fresh demonstrations against MTN, writing that the time for a nationwide “#OccupyMTN” protest may be approaching. The threat follows months of criticism by Sowore over data pricing, alleged rapid data depletion, and service quality issues among telecom operators.
The dispute comes amid ongoing debate over telecom tariffs in Nigeria. Operators, including MTN, have defended recent price increases approved by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), citing inflation, currency depreciation, and the need for continued investment in network infrastructure.
Sowore has previously led protests and called for stronger action against telecom companies, accusing them of poor service delivery and inadequate accountability to subscribers.
The controversy has sparked widespread discussion online, with some Nigerians supporting Sowore’s position while others agree with MTN’s argument that truly unlimited mobile data is difficult to sustain on large-scale wireless networks.
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