There’s something about December that makes people hopeful. Even when the year has been tough, we still expect magic. And this year, MTN is leaning fully into that feeling with the return of Recharge & Win Promo 4.0 on the myMTN NG App!
The idea is pretty simple: Nigerians are already recharging airtime and buying data every day. Now, those same everyday actions can turn into joyful, surprise Christmas gifts.
Why Everyone’s Talking About It
The myMTN NG App Recharge & Win Promo isn’t a first-time promise. Over the last three editions, real MTN customers across Nigeria have won real rewards, and their stories have become proof that the campaign delivers on its word. This time around, the 4th edition is here with the festive vibe, amplifying the magic of winning and reminding customers that their patronage is always seen and highly appreciated.
For Modupe Ososanya, a student from Lagos State who won N3,000,000 in the 3rd edition, the reward came when it mattered most. “Winning through the myMTN NG App was a joyful surprise. When I got the call that I had won, I didn’t initially believe that just doing my regular recharge could bring such luck, until I received my N3,000,000. It felt so unreal because it came in very handy. I was extremely excited”, she shared.
For Adaeze Njeze, a Teacher from Anambra state who also won N3,000,000, she simply couldn’t hide her excitement. “I would have never believed that my airtime purchase would some day pay me back in such a huge way” she said. “When I got the notification that I had won, I honestly thought it was a mistake. That N3,000,000 came at such a perfect time that it felt like a memorable birthday gift. I’ll definitely keep using myMTN NG App because who knows, I might just winner bigger in the next season.”
How To Join the Fun?
To participate:
Download and stay active on the myMTN NG App
Recharge ₦1,000 daily
Spend at least ₦5,000 weekly on airtime or data via the app
That’s it, simple and easy! Powered by CashToken Rewards Africa, customers who meet the winning criteria are rewarded with CashTokens that gives them guaranteed instant cash rewards and automatic entry into weekly draws where participants stand a chance to win ₦5k – ₦100m in Cash!
A Different Kind of Christmas Story
The myMTN NG App Recharge & Win 4.0 isn’t just about prizes; it’s about surprise and relief, as each win hopes to be a small Christmas miracle. For many, a small win could mean groceries, transport money, a stress-free holiday or even simply the relief of being seen and rewarded. And the big win? Definitely a life-changing dream come true.
The myMTN NG App Recharge & Win 4.0 runs from 15th December 2025 till 31st January 2026, spreading the Christmas joyful spirit well into the new year.
Christmas has a way of showing up when you least expect it. More often than not, it’s not wrapped in ribbons or delivered on Christmas morning. Sometimes, it arrives early and quietly, right in the middle of your daily MTN recharge.
But today, we’re focusing on MTN’s data price increases and how they impact users, investors, and the company’s overall revenue.
What does it mean for you?
Remember when ₦1,500 got you 6 GB of MTN data and lasted most of the week? Well, those days are over. MTN has asked its users to either double their internet budget or cut their mobile usage in half. The NCC suggests that this move is necessary due to “rising operational costs” and “infrastructure maintenance”— corporate speak for “Telecoms need more money.”
According to the Union, “If the telecommunications companies fail to revert to the old tariff by the end of February 2025, a total shutdown of their operations nationwide will commence from March 1, 2025.”
NCC says this is necessary to keep telecoms service running smoothly in Nigeria, but at what cost?
Why should you care?
Unless you’re using smoke signals to communicate or prefer to go outside and touch grass, this affects you.
Let’s break down who’s winning and taking the L in this situation.
For your wallet: That monthly data budget? Multiply it by two
If you do anything online: run a business, work remotely, take online classes or even doom-scroll on social media, your wallet will likely feel this pinch.
For most users, this means either spending more money or spending less time on the internet:
Tolani, 22 (MTN User): “All we do in Nigeria is complain, but we always adjust to new situations in time. I normally subscribe to the 25 GB plan with ₦6,500. Also, I don’t like seeing my data run below 20 GB, so once it gets there, I top it up.
Although the plan is now ₦7,500, I still pay for it. But it’s frustrating because it doesn’t seem to last anymore.”
Sharon, 22 (MTN User): “I used to get 15GB for ₦2,000, so this price increase feels frustrating and insensitive. We need to boycott MTN.
I just paid ₦3,000 for the same plan, and it’s irritating. I’ve been searching for online data vendors with cheaper options. I considered switching networks, but MTN is my primary line, and I need it for easier access.”
For Markets: MTN brought happiness this week
MTN investors and shareholders are currently having their “To the moon” moment.
Now, let’s break down what this means for investors:
This tariff increase directly influences MTN Nigeria’s stock price by shaping revenue expectations, boosting investor confidence, and impacting overall profitability.
Here’s exactly how:
1. Higher tariffs = more revenue
When MTN increases prices for data and voice plans, it generates more revenue—provided customers continue buying. Investors see this as a growth signal, driving up demand for MTN shares and, in turn, increasing the stock price.
2. Investor confidence in profitability
A 50% increase in some data plans means MTN expects to make more money per user, improving its profit margins—and investors love growth.
In October 2024, the stock traded at around ₦175 after a sharp decline due to economic challenges. However, by December, it began to recover, reaching approximately ₦200 by year-end.
Following the tariff increase, MTN’s stock has recorded a 32.1% gain from January to date, closing at ₦264 on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX).
If you invested heavily in MTN shares last year, you’re likely celebrating with other shareholders right now.
Despite the market’s unpredictability, finance professional Azeez Lawal projects that “MTN shares will likely reach ₦300 or ₦350, depending on the company’s performance before the end of 2025, and the assumption that FX remains stable at current levels.”
For *Kalejaiye, who bought ₦13 million worth of MTN shares (78,799 units) at ₦171 per share in October 2024, his investment has grown to ₦20.8 million—a 54% return.
He said, “Even though it seemed like bad timing—MTN had just reported a significant loss in their September 2024 press release—I still bought their shares at ₦171 with a plan to hold for 6-8 months. I had hoped the NCC would approve new telecom tariffs within that period and projected a 40% increase, and luckily, news of the tariff hike broke before December.”
The Bigger Picture: Why MTN is really doing this
The NCC press release justifies the reason for this 50% tariff increase, stating:
“Tariff rates have remained static since 2013, despite the increasing costs of operation faced by telecom operators. The approved adjustment is aimed at addressing the significant gap between operational costs and current tariffs while ensuring that the delivery of services to consumers is not compromised.”
While this increase has boosted MTN’s stock market value, there’s more to consider:
As Lawal puts it: “Many of the companies who suffered major foreign exchange (FX) losses, including MTN, in 2023 and 2024, when the naira began to lose value, have significantly repriced their products to reflect the full impacts of the FX loss.”
“When you look closely at it, this 50% tariff increase offset the impact of FX losses in the industry,” Lawal says.
“In 2025, MTN will recover its FX losses, and its share price is expected to appreciate significantly,” he says. “With a 50% increase in revenue from data services, it’s clear that MTN investors are set to lock in substantial profits this year.”
“We’re already seeing the signs.”
Reportsproject that MTN’s voice and data revenues could grow by 40-50%, potentially pushing their total revenue to around ₦4 trillion in 2025.
For those complaining about declining call quality or data running out faster, you may be experiencing what’s known as shrinkflation:
Lawal explains: “When a product originally sells for ₦2, but due to cost pressure and FX losses, the price rises to ₦4 and then to ₦6. At some point, further price hikes drive customers away, so companies shrink the product size instead of increasing the price again. Many products you know have gone through this journey.”
The Key Takeaway
This price increase tells three critical stories. For MTN, it’s about balancing their business needs with customer satisfaction. For customers, it’s about adapting to higher costs in T-pain’s economy. Investors, on the other hand, continue to lock in profits.
What happens next depends on how well MTN delivers better services and how customers adapt to the price changes in a market where switching networks isn’t always the solution. Nigerians may have no choice but to pay more or use less.
I hate to be the bearer of this bad news, but the dreaded day is here— MTN Nigeria has increased the prices of its internet data plans, and the new prices are not funny.
Where’s this increase coming from?
This increase is happening because the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) approved a 50% tariff hike on January 20, but it also goes way back.
In 2024, telecom operators asked the NCC to allow it to increase the tariff as it had not done so in 11 years, but the government denied this request. The discussion only became serious in January 2025, when telcos threatened to suspend their services in some parts of the country, explaining that a tariff increase was the only way forward as the telecommunication industry was at risk of collapsing without it. After an initial 100% increase in demand, the NCC met them halfway and approved a 50% increase.
What are MTN’s new data prices?
1.8GB monthly plan formerly ₦1,000 now costs ₦1,500
15GB plan formerly ₦4,500 now costs ₦6,500
90-day 1.5TB plan formerly ₦150,000 now costs ₦240,000
600GB 90-day plan formerly ₦75,000 now costs ₦120,000
20GB plan formerly ₦5,500 now costs ₦7,500
Does the 50% hike affect all MTN services?
No, it doesn’t. Some prices have remained the same while others have changed. An MTN executive who spoke to Tech Cabal on anonymity said the telecom company is not effecting a “50% increase on every plan, but rather an across-the-board adjustment,” in order to ensure they keep the grassroots connected.
How about other network providers?
Except for SWIFT Networks, which have also increased its prices by 50%, other network providers like Globacom, Airtel, and Etisalat are yet to effect the increase on their end. However, they have all begun charging ₦6 for text messages, as against the former price of ₦4.
The old prices of telecommunication services include calls at ₦11 per minute, SMS at ₦4, and 1GB data bundle at ₦287.50.
Over the weekend, many MTN users took to social media to complain about their barred phone lines without prior notice.
MTN disconnected the lines days ahead of the July 31 deadline set by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) for telecom companies to complete the NIN-SIM linkage.
Several MTN users insisted they had linked their NIN to their mobile phones but still got their lines barred.
Customers storm MTN offices
On Monday, July 29, photos and videos showed long queues of aggrieved customers at various MTN offices nationwide.
MTN experience centres in Lagos, Akwa Ibom, Osun, Delta, and other states received a throng of customers demanding the unblocking of their lines, especially since they had completed the NIN linking process long ago.
In Lagos, the situation escalated at MTN’s Festac office when frustrated customers tore down the office’s iron fence. A video showing the situation surfaced on social media.
Reacting to the development, Lagos police spokesperson Benjamin Hundeyin condemned the attack and said normalcy had been restored.
“The DPO Festac and his men responded immediately. They succeeded in restoring normalcy and are still on the ground to maintain peace.”
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Nigerians reacton social media
Meanwhile, some Nigerians linked MTN’s move to the upcoming nationwide protest against bad governance, claiming it was a plot by the government to disrupt the protest.
Omoyele Sowore, one of the conveners of the #EndbadgovernanceinNigeria protest, encouraged his followers to call out telecom companies if they experienced service disruption ahead of the protests.
NCC orders reactivation of barred lines
On Monday, July 29, the NCC issued a statement directing all telecom operators to reactivate the disconnected lines.
“Considering the challenges the blockages have caused, the commission has directed all operators to reactivate all lines that were disconnected over the weekend, given the short time available for consumers to verify their NINs with their SIMs,” the statement read.
This is a developing story.
The Nigerian government doesn’t deliver on a lot of promises, but it seems to be doing something with NIN-SIM linkage.
Just to recap, the government came up with an idea in 2020 based on security and socio-economic reasons. Many kidnappers were making simple phone calls to demand ransom payments from their victims’ families, and they were getting away with it. To make that process harder, the government directed all mobile subscribers in Nigeria to link their National Identity Number (NIN) with their Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) cards.
How did Nigerians take it?
Millions of Nigerians rushed to link their NIN to their SIM cards to avoid getting banned by a government that has a Ph.D. in banning stuff. But there were thousands of other Nigerians who were not enthusiastic about it.
Some Nigerians were discouraged by the rush and queues that followed the directive, and others just didn’t trust the government to know their business. It didn’t help that it became public knowledge around the same time that the man behind the idea, the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami, had some past romance with terrorism.
But Buhari said the minister was an impressionable young man when he was doing PDA with terrorist ideas and all sins were forgiven. But Pantami was actually 34 at the time.
Because the initial two-week deadline set by the government in December 2020 was an inconvenient joke, it was moved by more weeks. And then it was moved by more months and more months after that. In total, the government postponed the deadline eight different times spanning over 15 months.
The continuous postponements fueled public scorn that the government would never actually go through with banning millions of people and wreck one of Nigeria’s few profitable sectors. That was until April 4th 2022.
No NIN-SIM linkage, no outgoing calls
On April 4th 2022, the government directed telecoms companies to bar people who have failed to do NIN-SIM linkage from making outgoing calls. Over 73 million active mobile lines in Nigeria are affected by the ban.
We spoke to some of the Nigerians affected on how they’re dealing with the situation.
Chioma* — graphic designer in Enugu
The reason for not registering for NIN or linking it to my SIM is very simple — the system cannot be trusted. The idea of submitting my BVN as one of the criteria didn’t sit well with me. The same government asked for BVN registration for easy tracking of individuals but today, kidnappers and other criminal groups collect ransom via bank accounts. The government and its agencies are doing nothing about it.
I see the government and its agencies as jokers and a confused set of people. Why should I even pay to get NIN? Right now, I’m not feeling bad about my line being blocked, because there are alternative means of communication. My friends and family are calling in, and I can make outgoing calls with WhatsApp. I’m still not registering.
Adetoye* — student in Lagos
I tried to do the NIN-SIM linkage offline but it was looking stressful so I stopped trying. I didn’t get a chance to do it since then because I don’t go out often. The ban isn’t really affecting me because I don’t like phone calls like that. I mostly just stay online and chat. As long as I can still browse, I won’t link anything. What will be will be.
Daniel* — data analyst in Ogun State
Interestingly, I had linked my Airtel lines before the deadline. It was only my MTN lines that I didn’t link. My Airtel lines were barred but my MTN lines are still active as we speak. I have been unable to do anything work-related as I mostly use my Airtel SIM on my router. I had to buy data on my MTN to continue working.
I’ll wait for the system to self-correct. It’s not like I have a choice. I’d fancied my chances at filing a class action suit against NIMC, NCC, FG, and Airtel but we all know my chances at getting compensation are as real as pigs flying.
Linda* — student in Abuja
There’s just one reason I didn’t link my SIM to my NIN, abi is it NIN to SIM — I get coconut head and I no dey hear word. Also, I wanted to see what would really happen if I didn’t do it. E no too affect me. I was owing MTN ₦4500 that I had used up. Make dem no unblock am sef.
I’ll enjoy this peace of mind and continue using my router to browse and use my social media apps to make calls. When they’re tired, they’ll rest.
Jude* — student in Lagos
I did my NIN-SIM linkage in 2018 before the linkage drive even began in 2020. I was just surprised I couldn’t call since then because I did it alongside my first line. The ban isn’t affecting me because it’s only my second line that’s barred. My first line is still active and linked with my NIN. There’s nothing to do about it. Maybe GLO’s NIN activation was temporary or not working when I did it. I’ll try the code again later.
MTN Nigeria recently announced the price of its initial public offering to retail investors.The offer which opened at 8:00am on the 1st of December 2021 will close at 5:00pm on the 14th of December 2021 with a minimum subscription of 20 shares and lots of 20 shares thereafter.
At the retail offer roadshow in Enugu which held recently, the Chief Executive Officer, MTN Nigeria, Olutokun Toriola expressed his desire to have as many Nigerians own a share of MTN thus benefiting from the growth of the company.
Here are five reasons to embrace this public offer and invest:
1. A compelling growth story
According to the CEO, MTN is offering shareholders both strong dividends and strong growth. Growth of the dividends and growth of the market price with consistent payout.
2. A well-managed company
MTN Nigeria is a company that is well governed, and very efficient at what it does. According to him “We are disciplined, we have a board of directors that oversee what we do, we have auditors that check that the money is where it is supposed to be. We have a group that also ensures we are providing the profit margins that are expected of us.
3. ”Here to stay”
MTN is not exiting Nigeria and will continue to remain in Nigeria. MTN Group thus wants more Nigerians to participate in wealth creation in the future of MTN. This is why the public offer of 575 million shares for sale is made available in this first phase of a sell down.
4. Well-positioned for the long term
MTN is the leading operator in solutions for small and large businesses, as well as financial services and digital services. MTN believes that everyone in every village deserves the benefit of a modern connected life and will continue to lead and drive digital solutions for Nigeria.
5. Incentive
The offer includes an incentive in the form of 1 free share for every 20 shares purchases, subject to a maximum of 250 free shares per investor. The incentive is open to retail investors who buy and hold the shares allotted to them for at least 12 months, post the allotment date.
Investors can submit applications through the issuing houses, receiving agents (authorised stockbrokers and Nigerian banks) and online via a unique digital application platform, PrimaryOffer, administered by the Nigerian Exchange Limited and can visit www.mtnonline.com/po for more information.
Worried that your enemies will turn you into a laughing stock because of how broke you are? Do these 5 things and no one will ever guess that it’s 2,000 Naira you have left in your bank account.
1. Rub groundnut oil on your face
Groundnut oil will make you glow. Even if hunger is showing you pepper, you must not let it reflect on your face. That’s the fastest way enemies will know you are broke.
2. Wear clothes with money related inscriptions
“I am a millionaire” or “30 BG” will do the trick.
3. Always play loud music in your house
That way, if your enemies live nearby, they won’t hear you breaking a coconut to drink garri.
4. Decorate your house with empty packaging boxes
Make sure it’s packaging from top brands. At least, if your enemies disguise themselves as friends and pay you a visit, they’ll know that you’re not their mate. It’s a condition that made crayfish bend.
5. Reactive your old MTN SIM card
When you reactivate your old MTN SIM card, you get a whopping 12x amount on recharges above N50! You can use it to call for hours and let people think you’re so rich that airtime is the least of your problems.
1. Gain New Knowledge
We all love to be the smartest person in the room and knowledge is one thing no one can take away from you. Maximize your free data subscription to surf the internet and learn something new.
2. Catch Up with Your Folks
Imagine what life would be like without family and friends? Catching up with those you care about won’t cost you anything on August 8. They probably won’t even know you are calling them with awoof airtime.
3. Apply for That Opportunity
The only way to make a headway in life is by shooting your shot. Now would be the perfect time to send out your application for that job, scholarship or funding opportunity you’ve had your eyes on for a while.
4. Send Cute Pictures to Bae
Bless your lover with cute photos and make them feel extra special. The intention is all that really matters!
5. Listen to Podcasts
This is a productive way to while away time and keep your mind engaged. You can listen to podcasts as you go about your regular activities.
6. Watch the News
There’s so much drama going on in the country and even abroad. Use your free data to catch up with the news and remain current.
7. Follow Up with the Olympics
If you love sports you should see what’s going on in Tokyo as the Olympics 2020 is ongoing. You can either watch the event live via your streaming platform or catch the highlights on YouTube.
8. Binge-Watch Tik-Tok Videos
Watching Tik-Tok videos is an exciting way to keep yourself entertained all day long. See all the fun and hilarious videos people are creating all around the world.
9. Stream Music
Music is therapeutic and gets us through the daily hustle and bustle of life. Enjoy good music on whichever music platform you choose without thinking about the cost of data.
MTN’s anniversary freebies will only be available on August 8, 2021, so you know what to do
Johnnie, Jazz & Whisky, the nation’s premier platform for live, truly sensational afro-jazz music experiences, is back in Lagos following a nationwide tour of Abuja, Port Harcourt and other Nigerian cities.
Get ready for an exciting evening assortment of the finest cocktail serves, with unforgettable live performances by melodious Adekunle Gold, jazzy Lagbaja, and soulful Wande Coal on Saturday, August 24th 2019.
Johnnie Walker, the world’s most desired Scotch whisky, will showcase “The Johnnie Walker Highball Cocktail Serve”, a new, vibrant and inspiring way to enjoy the smooth flavours of Johnnie Walker Black Label, specially curated for palates seeking to add spice to lifestyle.
To lovers of fine live music and finest whisky, stay connected to @johnniewalkerng to get the chance of an invite to JJW Lagos.
Join the conversation with #JJWLagos #JJWwithMTN #KeepWalkingNigeria.
18+. Drink Responsibly.
You all know what it’s like to see your money flash before your eyes. Yes, money, not your life. That moment when you enter a crowded room and realized that something has left you. Your phone or your wallet is your biggest guess. If you thought we meant something else, you are on your own.
When it’s your phone and the pain of loss finishes its course through your body and you realize you need to block that number and block the account so that nobody uses your bank app to redesign your life, the panic sets in!
You’ve lost your number and nobody can reach you, so you buy that new SIM card. If your friends can convince you, you try out another network. Two weeks after, regret sets in and you wish you could go back in time. Half your friends can’t reach and it’s becoming a serious something.
But er, oga things don’t have to be so complicated na! For instance, if you had an MTN SIM and the brothers of the night have picked you (sorry in arrears) here’s what you can do:
1)Take a deep breath and do some smart calculations:
GET OUT OF THERE! Don’t try to be brave. Get out of the environment and go somewhere safe. This season is fun but also the time for sticky fingers. When you are calm and have taken the right steps – report the theft and block your accounts if necessary – make sure that your phone number was registered.
2) Get All You Need
Make sure you have the SIM pack or other evidence of direct purchase/ownership of that sim card. If your SIM pack is unavailable, get a sworn affidavit attesting to your ownership and loss is required.
Three (3) frequently-dialled numbers. Everybody has those three people (in fact, 10 maybe) that we can’t stop calling.
Any details of your last recharge activities (no matter how small, it will work)
You would also need a valid form of photo ID – International Passport, Driver’s License, National ID Card, Voters Identification Card (NINs slip with ID number are also cool).
A sound piece of advice, from 9:00 pm, please try and avoid dark areas or places that are not well illuminated. “Had I known”, is as bad as it sounds, so we all need to be smart.
But the best thing to do is to try to protect against this happening in the first place (well, as much as is possible). Avoid using your phones in ‘shady’ areas. Always be vigilant and as mundane and childish as it seems, avoid speaking to strangers. Also, keep your things securely.
