Activist and African Action Congress 2027 presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has disputed claims by MTN Nigeria Chief Executive Officer, Karl Toriola, that unlimited mobile data plans are not available globally unless consumers pay exorbitant prices, describing the assertion as false.

Toriola, during a press conference titled “Data on Trial” held in Lagos on Saturday, said unlimited data plans are not feasible on mobile networks.

He argued that no operator can sustain quality service if every customer has unrestricted access to data at a low cost.

“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,” he said.

He argued that millions of consumers worldwide enjoy truly unlimited or effectively unlimited broadband and mobile data plans at prices that are often more affordable relative to local incomes than what Nigerians currently pay for inferior service.

The AAC presidential candidate, who has consistently criticised telecom operators in Nigeria over data pricing, network quality, and service delivery, hinted at a possible protest against MTN nationwide.

“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!” he wrote.

PUNCH Online reports that the development comes as MTN Nigeria and other operators defend tariff adjustments approved by the Nigerian Communications Commission.

In early 2025, the NCC sanctioned up to 50 per cent increases in voice, SMS, and data tariffs, citing inflation, naira devaluation, and the need to sustain investment.

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MTN has maintained that Nigeria remains among the world’s four cheapest markets for mobile data despite the hikes.

However, critics, including Sowore, point to better consumer experiences in countries such as India, parts of Europe, the United Kingdom, and even some African markets, where near-unlimited plans are accessible at relatively affordable rates.

Nigerians abroad also shared screenshots on social media of unlimited plans they say cost the equivalent of a few hours’ minimum wage work, in response to Toriola’s claim.