The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) recently embarked on a sensitization campaign to National Youth Service Corp (NYSC) Orientation Camps in Nasarawa and Niger States.
The visits, which were geared at sensitising corp members in the two orientation camps on telecom issues, are part of the NCC’s strategic consumer outreach, with the theme, “Consumer Sensitization on Data Depletion: The Role of National Youth Service Corps Members.”
Speaking at the camps, the Director, Consumer Affairs Bureau (CAB) of the NCC, Mrs. Freda Bruce-Bennett, noted that the theme of this sensitization is quite germane following increasing number of complaints received on data issues. The issue of data depletion continues to resonate and draws concerns amongst consumers in view of some developments in the Nigeria communication industry.
These concerns, she noted, were further underscored by the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), an independent not-for profit organisation, which recently conducted a consumer survey to highlight the scale of public concern over unexplained data depletion and billing transparency.
According to her, some of the factors that are associated to data usage include the increase in internet subscription, which, going by a current industry subscription from the NCC, has jumped from 105 million in August 2018 to 142 million in January 2025; rapid advancements in technology, which has led to new features on smartphones that many consumers may not fully understand; and Consumer perception of rapid data depletion, which remains a major pain point and continues to affect Quality of Experience (QoE) as well as overall consumer satisfaction in the telecoms industry.
While the Commission has championed a study on this issue, it has also taken proactive steps by conducting consumer education and sensitization, promotion of data usage transparency initiatives, enforcement of fair usage policies, and ongoing engagement with service providers to enhance the overall Quality of Experience in the industry.
These efforts are directly tied to the broader goal of promoting effective Data management. “It is important that telecom subscribers are equipped with the knowledge of how to monitor, control, and optimize the usage of their mobile data bundle allowance, be it daily, weekly, or monthly plans,” Mrs. Bruce-Bennett stated.
She further highlighted some factors that can affect the rate at which data is used up or consumed by a subscriber. Some factors that can lead to excessive data usage include:
- Streaming Activities: Video and music streaming apps like Netflix, YouTube, and Spotify use large amounts of data.
- Social media: High-resolution images and videos on platforms like Instagram, Facebook (Meta), and Twitter (X) can quickly use up data.
- App Updates & Automatic Updates: Apps consume data in the background without being active, and use significant amounts of data, while automatic app updates can spike data usage.
- Location Services: Continuous use of GPS and navigation apps can lead to increased data usage.
- Hotspot Usage: Sharing your phone’s data connection with other devices or users can quickly use up your data allowance.
- Roaming: Using data while traveling abroad can lead to excessive data usage due to higher roaming charges.
- Browsing Habits: Frequent visits to data-intensive websites like those with videos or high-resolution images can use up data quickly.
She therefore cautioned consumers to take proactive steps towards smart data management. These steps include:
- Monitor Data Usage: Regularly check data usage using built-in trackers or third-party apps.
- Use Wi-Fi: Connect to Wi-Fi whenever possible to conserve cellular data.
- Turn off Automatic Updates: Disable automatic updates for apps and software; update manually when on Wi-Fi.
- Restrict Background Data: Limit background data usage for specific apps.
- Download Content for Offline Use: Download media and content while on Wi-Fi for offline use.
- Data Caching: Store frequently accessed data locally (offline) to reduce the need for repeated downloads.
- Disable Location Services: Turn off GPS and location services for specific apps or altogether.
- Data-saving Modes: Go to settings and turn on the data-saving mode on your phone to reduce consumption.
- Data Rollover: Transfer unused data to the next billing cycle or month
Mrs. Freda Bruce-Bennett addressed the corp members, as key agents of change, to become Consumer Champions by spreading awareness of consumer rights and protections to friends, family, and local communities; educating others about the Commission’s initiatives and how to enjoy better quality of experience; and engaging with the NCC through shared feedback.
She concluded by reaffirming the NCC’s unwavering commitment to creating a telecom environment that is “fair, competitive, inclusive, and consumer friendly.”
“Your voices matter. Your experiences shape policy. Your participation drives progress.”
Aside from the sensitisation, the Commission also engaged the corps members in quiz competitions, with winners of the quiz questions carting away gift items such as Power Banks, airtime and data subscriptions.
Also, the Commission donated three bags of rice (50kg) and three 25liters of vegetable Cooking oil, each in Nasarawa and Niger states camps. The NYSC State Coordinator in Nasarawa, Hajiya Salamatu Mohammed and NYSC State Coordinator in Niger State, Mrs. Martina Shuaibu-Ibrahim received the support items from the officials of the Commission.
