…132 million daily connections from Nigeria alone
…as NCC promises to keep protecting, Telcos, data consumers interests
Concerns are beginning to brew over Nigerians’ unabated appetite for data consumption which currently sees the country consuming 2.64% of world daily data use with 132 million connections out of the global figure of five billion.
This year, data consumption by Nigerians has already grown by a whopping 39% over that of 2023 despite the economic difficulties they currently face.
Quoting figures from the DataReportal, the Executive Vice Chairman and CEO of Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC), Dr Aminu Maida said Nigerians spend an average of four hours and 20 minutes on social media daily, far above the global average, underscoring how deeply embedded digital interaction is in our lives.
Explaining the issues in a keynote address delivered at the 93rd Telecoms Consumers Parliament (TCP) in Abuja recently, Maida asserted that in 2024, Nigeria’s daily data usage averaged 336 gigabytes per second, marking a 39% increase from the previous year—a clear indication of the data-driven lifestyle many Nigerians lead.
“Despite this, many consumers feel their data depletes faster than expected, echoing a sentiment I hear often. Nigeria isn’t alone in this; other countries, like Eswatini, are also working to address similar consumer concerns about data usage,” the NCC boss said.
According to him, earlier this year, NCC analyzed consumer complaints, revealing data depletion and billing issues as top concerns. In response, Maida said NCC directed Mobile Network Operators and ISPs to conduct audits of their billing systems, which reported no major issues.
L-R: Head, Customer Operations, North, MTN, Chikaodi Ofoegbe; Chief Executive Officer, 9Mobile, Obafemi Banigbe; Chairman, Association of Licensed Telecom Operators of Nigeria, Gbenga Adebayo; Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida; Executive Commissioner, Stakeholder Management, NCC, Rimini Makama; Director, Consumer Affairs Bureau, Dr. Ikechukwu Adinde and Chief Executive Officer, Airtel Nigeria, Carl Cruz during the 93rdedition of the Telecom Consumer Parliament hosted by the Commission in Abuja on Thursday, November 7, 2024.
However, perceptions persist due to two main factors, which are the impact of high-resolution devices and improved technologies on data use; and the complexity of operator tariffs.
He said: “With the advent of 4G and 5G, as well as devices with ultra-high-definition screens, data consumption has naturally increased. For example, while viewing a photo on Instagram might have required only 100 kilobytes of data five years ago, today, with advanced camera resolutions, a photo can consume between two to four megabytes when opened on Instagram.
“Improved technologies go beyond their purchase cost to our pockets, they also come at a cost to data. Because they have better screen resolutions, they consume higher quality media that consumes more data.
“Recognizing these challenges, the Commission, in collaboration with major operators, launched a Joint Industry Campaign on Consumer Awareness on Smarter Data Usage. This media campaign, spanning radio, television, newspapers, and SMS, aims to educate consumers on effective data management. I am sure many of you have encountered jingles or graphics offering tips for managing data.”
Emphasizing the Commission’s willingness to keep protecting data consumers from losses, he said NCC had embarked on citizens orientation and awareness creation with messages empowering consumers with the knowledge to optimize their data usage.
He continued: For example, many smartphone users may not know that their devices can track data usage and allow them to set limit. Smartphones, even when idle, often run background applications like automatic updates and location services, which consume data. Additionally, high-definition streaming services like Netflix consume substantial data— about three gigabytes per hour in high definition, or seven gigabytes in ultra-high definition.
“The Commission believes that an informed consumer is a better-equipped consumer, leading to a clearer understanding of data consumption and reducing misconceptions about data depletion.
“In addition, to address tariff complexity, NCC issued a Guidance on Tariff Simplification, requiring operators to provide clear, accessible information on data plans and pricing. This transparency will empower consumers to make better-informed decisions about their data usage and billing.
Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Communications Commission, Dr Aminu Maida
“In the coming months, operators will implement this guidance, presenting consumers with tables detailing their tariff plans, billing rates on each plan, and all terms and conditions related to the tariff plans they are on.”
Maida however stressed that at the heart of the Commission’s Strategic Vision is the commitment to meet the expectations of telecoms industry stakeholders: the Consumers, the Industry/Licensees, and the Government.
He maintained that the government and operators thrive on satisfied consumers. To achieve this, the NCC CEO said the focus of the commission has evolved from simply demanding quality service to ensuring a holistic Quality of Experience throughout the telecom consumer’s lifecycle—from SIM registration to usage and even service disposal.
“Our goal is for consumers to be consistently satisfied with telecom services, but 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,” he noted.
