NCC calls for billing transparency amid rising data usage in Nigeria

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has reiterated its commitment to addressing consumer concerns regarding data depletion and billing transparency in the face of surging data consumption.

The agency’s remarks came during the 93rd Telecoms Consumer Parliament held in Abuja, themed “Optimising Data Experience: Empowering Consumers through Awareness and Transparency in a Consumer-Centric Telecom Industry.”

Speaking at the event, NCC Executive Vice Chairman, Dr. Aminu Maida, revealed that Nigeria’s daily data usage surged by 39% in 2024, averaging 336 gigabytes per second.

He attributed this increase to advancements in technology, growing internet penetration, and Nigerians’ heavy reliance on digital platforms.

“On average, Nigerians spend 4 hours and 20 minutes daily on social media, significantly exceeding the global average,” Maida noted.

He highlighted the declining preference for traditional television, stating that global daily television viewing has dropped by over 8% in the past year as consumers pivot to streaming services on phones, tablets, and smart TVs.

Despite the positive trends in digital adoption, many Nigerians complain about unexpectedly rapid data depletion. Dr. Maida explained that NCC’s analysis of consumer complaints earlier in the year identified billing transparency and data depletion as leading concerns.

In response, the commission mandated audits of Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) and Internet Service Providers (ISPs). These audits revealed no significant discrepancies, but perceptions of unexplained data usage persist. Maida attributed this to two factors:

Dr. Maida outlined the NCC’s efforts to address these concerns, including the launch of a Joint Industry Campaign for Smarter Data Usage. “Our goal is to empower consumers with knowledge about managing their data, including using device settings to track and control usage,” he said.

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The NCC also urged telecom operators to simplify data tariffs, making them more transparent and easier for consumers to understand.

ALTON Chairman, Engr. Gbenga Adebayo, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that service providers are responding to consumer feedback by enhancing data quality, expanding coverage, and improving connectivity. He highlighted ongoing efforts to introduce simplified tariffs, allowing consumers to make informed decisions about their data plans.

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Beyond consumer issues, Maida flagged several challenges facing the telecom sector, including:

The NCC emphasized that a collaborative approach between regulators, operators, and consumers is critical to optimizing the country’s data experience. Dr. Maida concluded, “An informed consumer is an empowered consumer. By addressing these challenges, we can create a telecom industry that truly serves the people while advancing digital inclusion across Nigeria.”

As digital interactions become deeply embedded in Nigerians’ daily lives, the NCC’s call for transparency and consumer awareness is a step toward fostering trust and improving the overall user experience in the telecom sector.