MTN Nigeria has come out with its hands in the air, begging its customers for forgiveness after a massive 200% price hike on its popular 15GB digital bundle plan sparked nationwide outrage. The telecom giant, known for its catchy slogans and vibrant branding, took to its official Instagram page on Thursday to issue a heartfelt apology, dripping with pidgin English charm, in a bid to calm the storm.
The company’s statement, which quickly went viral, was a mix of remorse, humor, and a plea for love during the Valentine’s season. MTN didn’t just apologize; it spoke the language of the streets, connecting with its customers in a way that only pidgin English can.
“To our 15G digital bundle lovers,” the statement began, “You dey vex. We know. We know how e dey pain you to wake up see say your favorite bundle don jump from ₦2,000 to ₦6,000. Kai! Na wah o!”
The company didn’t shy away from admitting its mistake, using the kind of relatable language that made it clear they were speaking directly to the hearts of their customers. “We fit talk plenty tins, give you long grammar, but omo, all that one na story. We don cast. We get it and admit am. Let’s just say na mistake,” MTN confessed, adding a touch of humor to soften the blow.
But MTN didn’t stop there. The company cleverly tied its apology to the season of love, appealing to its customers’ softer side. “In this love season, abeg, no stay angry with us. Forgive and forget. You matter die, and we no go ever stop to show you how much. Make we continue this relationship. Thank you for your understanding. Yours Truly, MTN Nigeria.”
The apology, though well-received for its creativity, comes amid growing frustration from customers who felt blindsided by the sudden price increase. The 15GB weekly data plan, which previously cost ₦2,000, skyrocketed to ₦6,000 overnight, leaving many subscribers feeling betrayed. Social media erupted with calls for boycotts, and the controversy has reignited debates about telecom pricing regulations in Nigeria.
Despite the backlash, MTN’s pidgin English apology has managed to strike a chord with many Nigerians, who appreciated the company’s attempt to speak their language—literally and figuratively. Whether this will be enough to restore trust remains to be seen, but for now, MTN is hoping its customers will “forgive and forget” as they navigate this rocky patch in their relationship.
As one social media user put it, “MTN, you try with this apology, but abeg, no let this kind wahala happen again. Na beg we dey beg you o!”
