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The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is working to improve transparency and simplify tracking data usage for telecom customers. The move will be addressing long-standing concerns over data depletion and billing clarity. NCC’s Executive Vice-Chairman, Aminu Maida, highlighted this at the 93rd Telecom Consumer Parliament (TCP) in Abuja.
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“Data consumption is growing rapidly, driven by digital transformation. We must address consumer concerns around data usage transparency and billing,” Maida stated. He noted that as of 2024, Nigeria’s daily data usage averaged 336 gigabytes per second—up 39% from the previous year—as digital interactions become more embedded in daily life.
Despite consumer concerns, the NCC found no major issues with the billing practices of Mobile Network Operators (MNOs). The audits conducted indicated that subscribers were billed accurately. However, consumer perceptions persist due to complex operator tariffs and high-resolution devices that naturally consume more data.
New guidelines for operators to simplify their tariffs
To address this, the NCC has issued new guidelines requiring operators to simplify their tariffs, offering transparent tables detailing plan rates, billing specifics, and terms for consumers. “Operators will soon begin implementing these simplified tables, making it easier for consumers to understand their data plans and compare costs,” Maida said.
Gbenga Adabayo, Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecom Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), praised the initiative. He said it will allow consumers to make more informed choices. Obafemi Banigbe, CEO of 9mobile, added that common issues like power outages and cable cuts often disrupt services. But tariff clarity will help manage consumer expectations.
Maida also encouraged consumers to be mindful of data-intensive background activities, such as automatic updates and high-definition streaming, which significantly impact data use. “An informed consumer is better equipped to manage their data, reducing misunderstandings about data depletion,” he noted.
COVER PHOTO. L-R: Head, Customer Operations, North, MTN, Chikaodi Ofoegbe; CEO, 9Mobile, Banigbe; Chairman, ALTON, Adebayo; Executive Vice Chairman/CEO, NCC, Maida; Executive Commissioner, Stakeholder Management, NCC, Rimini Makama; Director, Consumer Affairs Bureau, Dr. Ikechukwu Adinde and CEO, Airtel Nigeria, Carl Cruz.
