The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has urged telecom service providers to take immediate action to address rising concerns over data depletion and billing transparency. The call comes as data consumption continues to surge, driven by advancements in digital technology.
Speaking at the 93rd Telecom Consumer Parliament in Abuja, the Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, also recognized the economic challenges faced by operators and outlined strategies to ensure the long-term sustainability of the sector.
He stated, “We cannot also ignore the effect of current macroeconomic challenges and the rising cost of business in the country, which is impacting the ability of operators to make the necessary investments in the sector. The commission is mindful of this and is actively working with other arms of government and stakeholders to address these issues and ensure the industry’s sustainability.”
Maida highlighted the significant progress of Nigeria’s telecom sector over the past two decades. He pointed out that the shift from basic voice services to 5G-enabled innovations, including smart cities and the Internet of Things, has been a key driver of widespread digital adoption.
Dr. Maida stressed the importance of increasing consumer awareness and ensuring transparency in billing practices to enhance the overall telecom experience for Nigerians.
He highlighted that in 2024, Nigeria’s daily data usage averaged 336 gigabytes per second, representing a 39 percent increase from the previous year. This surge, he explained, reflects the increasingly data-driven lifestyle of many Nigerians. However, despite this growth, many consumers have expressed concerns that their data is depleting faster than expected. Earlier this year, the NCC conducted an analysis of consumer complaints, with data depletion and billing transparency emerging as the leading issues.
Maida also pointed out that data usage and billing transparency have become key consumer concerns, leading the NCC to audit the billing systems of Mobile Network Operators and Internet Service Providers.
Although the audits found no major issues, the perception of fast data depletion persists. The EVC attributed this to two main factors: the increased data usage driven by advanced high-resolution devices, and the complexity of tariff structures. He emphasized that as data consumption continues to rise, driven by digital advancements, it is crucial to address consumer concerns regarding data depletion and billing transparency.
To address these concerns, the NCC has launched a Joint Industry Campaign on Consumer Awareness, designed to educate users on more efficient data management. The campaign has been widely distributed through radio, television, newspapers, and SMS, offering practical tips for optimizing data usage.
Additionally, the commission has rolled out new guidelines on tariff simplification, requiring operators to provide clear and easily accessible information on data plans and billing.
