Users Frustrated as Gmail, Yahoo Demand Payment for Full Inboxes
As of now, users reportedly have a grace period to either clear storage or upgrade. Those who do nothing risk losing access to the full features of their email accounts.
Users of Yahoo Mail and Gmail in Nigeria are being prompted to pay for additional storage or risk losing full access to their email services, as both platforms begin enforcing stricter limits on free accounts, according to reports.
Yahoo Mail users say that messages warning of service restrictions — such as the inability to send or receive emails unless space is freed or storage expanded — are appearing regularly. A user identified as “Simeon,” who has used Yahoo for over ten years, said he deleted thousands of old messages and photos only to receive the warning again. Eventually, he attempted to purchase extra storage, but was frustrated by the limitations of his payment options.
Gmail users report similar experiences to The Nation. One long-time Gmail user, “Esther Kokumo,” said she received notice that her storage was 99 per cent full, warning that she might lose core functionalities of her Google Account — including sending/receiving mail and backing up photos — unless she gave up items or paid to increase storage. She added that the system directed her to review large attachments, photos, and drive files for deletion or to accept a paid plan.
In Nigeria, the nominal fees quoted include 100 GB of storage for approximately ₦1,900 per month or ₦470 for three months, although larger plans cost more. Users voiced concerns over continued price increases, the dominance of US-dollar payment requirements, and the lack of local currency options. Others expressed wariness about how companies manage personal data and perceived storage over-pricing.
An analyst interviewed anonymously said the new model reflects how companies are transitioning users from free access to paid subscriptions once the service becomes essential. He noted that many individuals depend on email for critical tasks — banking, travel, official documents — and are caught in a difficult situation where deleting data is not always viable.
As of now, users reportedly have a grace period to either clear storage or upgrade. Those who do nothing risk losing access to the full features of their email accounts. Whether these changes will affect payment structures or introduce more local payment options in Nigeria remains to be seen.
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