Investigation revealed that the NGN100 which used to be sold for the same amount now costs NGN110 while NGN200 call card is now sold at N220. The situation is the same for other denominations and across the nation including major cities such as Lagos, Owerri, Port Harcourt, Ibadan and Abuja.
While the networks are yet to officially comment on the situation, many Nigerians are already expressing their dissatisfaction with the development.
Kossy Diba said: “Now we need to spend more on MTN recharge card. I suggest Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) should do something about it.”
While some subscribers believe the hike is not much, Miller JH believes subscribers need to challenge the networks for the hike.
“It could be NGN10 today and if you keep letting it slide before you know it is NGN50,000 not just talking about recharge card here but generally. Stand to fight for oppression even if you are not the one being oppressed,” he said on Nairaland.
Nigerians who use virtual top-ups however confirmed that the electronic mediums are not affected by the hike. Zwalnanmak said he is using Guaranty Trust Bank’s mobile app to top-up his lines.
He said: “Just recharge your phones online. As for me, I don’t have an idea how much recharge cards cost in my area thanks to GTMobile money application which allows me to recharge directly from my bank account.”