*The Nigerian Communications Commission emphasises the industry regulator has intensified its telecoms consumer education and sensitisation initiatives on data depletion and billing transparency that have continued to resonate and draw concerns among subscribers in the country’s digital space

Gbenga Kayode | 绿帽献妻

In continuation of its consumer education and sensitisation initiatives, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has urged telecoms subscribers to take proactive steps to enhance mobile data management, online security, and boost their Quality of Experience (QoE) in the digital environment.

绿帽献妻 reports concerns about consumers’ data depletion and billing transparency have continued to dominate public discourse in the country’s digital space in recent times.

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The NCC has emphasised the overarching objective of this sustained consumer sensitisation campaign is to empower telecoms consumers, and protect their interests in the ecosystem.

As regards online security for telecoms subscribers, the telecoms sector regulatory Commission also, has recommended measures, including taking caution about clicking on any suspicious links, downloading apps from trusted sources, and protecting personal information shared on social media platforms.

The regulator further emphasised the significance of strong passwords, regular software updates, and secure Wi-Fi connections.

Urging telecoms consumers to visit: https://consumer.ncc.gov.ng for more helpful tips, the Commission, among other messages in recent SMS push, asked subscribers to “protect your data! Change your password & regularly turn off mobile hotspot to prevent unauthorised access.

“Make your data last longer! Enable data saver: go to settings, click on connections, data usage and then turn on data saver.”

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It also asked: “Did you know apps update in the background? Close unused background apps. Go to settings, click on data usage.

“Make your data last longer! Enable data saver: go to settings, click on connections, data usage and then turn on data saver.”

Analysis of the NCC’s recommendations

Among other measures, the following is a more detailed breakdown of the NCC’s recommendations:

Mobile Data Security:

Be wary of suspicious links and messages:

Avoid clicking on links or opening attachments from unknown sources, as these could be phishing attempts or lead to malware downloads.

Download apps from official app stores:

Only download apps from reputable sources like the Google Play Store or Apple App Store to minimise the risk of installing malware.

Enable strong passwords and biometric authentication:

Secure your devices with strong passwords or biometric authentication methods (like fingerprint or facial recognition) to prevent unauthorised access.

Keep your software updated:

Regularly update your phone’s operating system and apps, as updates often include security patches that fix vulnerabilities.

Use secure Wi-Fi networks:

Avoid using public Wi-Fi for sensitive transactions. If you must use public Wi-Fi, consider using a VPN to encrypt your internet connection.

Monitor data usage:

Be aware of your data consumption and take steps to manage it effectively.

Disable background app refresh:

Prevent apps from automatically updating or refreshing in the background, which can consume data even when you’re not actively using them.

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Be mindful of high-resolution downloads and auto-play settings:

These can consume a significant amount of data. Adjust your settings to minimise unnecessary data usage.

NCC shares data management tips with Corps members

Among several other avenues to drive data management awareness and cybersafety tips, the Nigerian Communications Commission recently reinforced its consumer sensitisation drive at the Orientation Camps of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) across the country.

The Commission’s team recently took sensitisation campaign on consumers’ data usage and data depletion to the Magaji Dan-Yamusa Permanent Orientation Camp of NYSC, in Keffi, Nasarawa State.

It also sensitised the young Nigerians on telecoms issues at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp, in Paiko, Niger State.

According to NCC, the camp sensitisation drive is part of its strategic consumer outreach with the theme: 鈥淐onsumer Sensitisation on Data Depletion: The Role of National Youth Service Corps Members鈥�.

The industry regulator said the theme of the enlightenment programme was timely and relevant in regard to the increasing number of complaints received on data issues in Nigeria’s digital environment.

The recurring issue of data usage and depletion has continued to resonate and elicited apparent concerns from telecoms consumers due to certain developments in the country’s Nigerian communications industry.

Sensitisation of Corps members as future leaders

Speaking at the two events at the NYSC Orientation Camp Sensitisation Programme in Niger and Nasarawa states, Mrs. Freda Ruth Bruce-Bennett, Director of Consumer Affairs Bureau (CAB) of NCC, appreciated the Management and Staff of the NYSC for the opportunity to address the youths she described as the “vibrant gathering of Nigeria鈥檚 future leaders”.

It was also gathered the top officials of the Commission presented Bruce-Bennett’s address at both NYSC Orientation Camps in the two states

She said: “I am particularly honoured to engage with you dynamic, educated, and patriotic young Nigerians as part of our continuing commitment to empowering telecoms consumers and protect their interests in a rapidly evolving digital environment.”

Bruce-Bennett also acknowledged the NYSC’s “unwavering dedication to national unity, capacity development, and social cohesion”.

On partnership between NCC, NYSC

In regard to areas of alignment of NCC and NYSC mandate for nation-building, inclusive growth, the Commission explained the mission of the Youth Corps scheme and NCC align in several ways.

Bruce-Bennett stressed the two regulatory institutions are “focused on nation-building, inclusive growth, and creating platforms where every Nigerian can thrive. “We are, therefore, partners in progress.”

Restating the essence of theme of the sensitisation programme for Corps members, she stated: “The theme of this sensitisation is quite germane, following increasing number of complaints received on data issues.

“The issue of data depletion continues to resonate and draws concerns among consumers.”

Besides, the Commission referenced industry statistics, stating the number of Internet subscriptions surged from 105 million August 2018 to 142 million as of January 2025.

The NCC Director of Consumer Affairs Bureau said the increasing growth is fuelled by the growing popularity and usage of social media platforms, other online content, and the wider availability of data networks in the ecosystem.

It is equally noted that in a digital age where data runs almost all other sectors, from communications, education, business to social interactions, protecting consumers from exploitative practices and ensuring digital literacy is not only important but essential.

Rationale for upsurge in online vulnerabilities

Attributing the increasing vulnerabilities in cyberspace to rapid advancements in modern technology, the NCC explained these have introduced to new features on smartphones, which several consumers yet may not fully understand.

The Commission stated: “This knowledge gap often results in unintentionally high data consumption, which can frustrate users and erode trust.”

The NCC declared that telecoms consumer perception of their rapid data depletion “remains a major pain point and continues to affect Quality of Experience (QoE), overall consumer satisfaction in the telecoms industry.”

According to the regulator, an independent not-for profit organisation lately conducted a consumer survey to highlight the scale of public concerns over inexplicable data depletion and billing transparency in the ecosystem.

Proactive measures to address data depletion, billing transparency

Outlining certain proactive steps, which the Commission has introduced to address the burning issue of data depletion and billing transparency of recent, the NCC said it had conducted consumer education and sensitisation campaigns to promote data usage transparency initiatives, enforcement of fair usage policies.

There is also an ongoing engagement with telecoms service providers to enhance consumers’ overall Quality of Experience (QoE) in the industry.

Bruce-Bennett, Director of CAB, further stated: “These efforts are directly tied to the broader goal of promoting effective Data management.

“It is important that telecoms subscribers are equipped with the knowledge of how to monitor, control, and optimise the usage of their mobile data bundle allowance, be it daily, weekly, or monthly plans.”

CAB Director: Key factors responsible for excessive data usage on mobile devices

Mrs. Bruce-Bennett, as well enumerated the major factors pushing the high rate at which telecoms consumers use data in recent times.

According to her, such factors that can lead to excessive data usage include the following:

1. Streaming Activities: Video and music streaming apps like Netflix, YouTube, and Spotify use large amounts of data.
2. Social media: High-resolution images and videos on platforms like Instagram, Facebook (Meta), and Twitter (X) can quickly use up data.
3. 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.
4. Location Services: Continuous use of GPS and navigation apps can lead to increased data usage.
5. Hotspot Usage: Sharing your phone鈥檚 data connection with other devices or users can quickly use up your data allowance.
6. Roaming: Using data while traveling abroad can lead to excessive data usage due to higher roaming charges.
7. Browsing Habits: Frequent visits to data-intensive websites like those with videos or high-resolution images can use up data quickly.

Smart data management tips

On the other hand, the telecoms sector regulatory Commission also listed some actions can help consumers to control data usage on their mobile devices.

The NCC noted these include:

1. Monitor Data Usage: Regularly check data usage using built-in trackers or third-party apps.
2. Use Wi-Fi: Connect to Wi-Fi whenever possible to conserve cellular data.
3. Turn off Automatic Updates: Disable automatic updates for apps and software; update manually when on Wi-Fi.
4. Restrict Background Data: Limit background data usage for specific apps.
5. Download Content for Offline Use: Download media and content while on Wi-Fi for offline use.
6. Data Caching: Store frequently accessed data locally (offline) to reduce the need for repeated downloads.
7. Disable Location Services: Turn off GPS and location services for specific apps or altogether.
8. Data-saving Modes: Go to settings and turn on the data-saving mode on your phone to reduce consumption.
9. Data Rollover: Transfer unused data to the next billing cycle or month

The Director said by following these tips, telecoms subscribers could reduce data consumption significantly.

Bruce-Bennett, therefore, urged Corps members to visit: consumer.ncc.gov.ng, for more information about smart data management.

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