The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has launched a series of initiatives aimed at improving data experience for telecom consumers, addressing billing transparency, and raising awarenes about data usage at the 93rd edition of the Telecom Consumer Parliament (TCP) held in Abuja.
The event, which brought together key industry stakeholders, including Mobile Network Operators (MNOs), Internet Service Providers (ISPs), and consumer rights groups, was anchored by the theme “Optimizing Data Experience: Empowering Consumers through Awareness and Transparency in a Consumer-Centric Telecom Industry.”
In his keynote address, Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman and CEO of the NCC, highlighted the evolving telecommunications landscape in Nigeria, noting that the country now ranks among the top nations for internet connectivity. According to DataReportal, Nigeria has over 132 million internet connections, with Nigerians spending an average of 4 hours and 20 minutes daily on social media platforms, driving a rapid increase in data consumption.
“Today, we see an average daily data usage of 336 gigabytes per second, a 39% increase from last year,” Dr. Maida stated. He acknowledged the increasing consumer concerns over the speed at which data depletes and the complexity of billing structures that sometimes lead to confusion and dissatisfaction.
To address these concerns, the NCC has introduced a Joint Industry Campaign on Consumer Awareness. This media campaign, which will span television, radio, and print, is designed to educate Nigerians on how to manage their data consumption more effectively, offering practical tips like using device settings to track data usage and prevent background apps from consuming unnecessary data.
Dr. Maida also underscored the growing importance of high-resolution devices and advanced technologies like 4G and 5G, which have unintentionally contributed to increased data usage. For example, streaming high-definition videos on platforms such as Netflix can consume up to 7GB of data per hour, an increase in demand driven by the enhanced capabilities of newer devices.
To further alleviate consumer frustrations, the NCC announced new measures to simplify telecom tariff structures. In the coming months, operators will be required to present consumers with clear, accessible information on data plans, billing rates, and terms and conditions, helping consumers make more informed choices.
The NCC is also collaborating with telecom operators to revise guidelines on Quality of Experience (QoE), with a focus on holding all stakeholders, from Mobile Network Operators to infrastructure providers, accountable for the delivery of high-quality services. The Commission is keen on tackling the challenges of vandalism and theft of telecom infrastructure, which hinder service delivery. The recent Presidential Order designating telecom infrastructure as Critical National Information Infrastructure is expected to bolster efforts to secure vital telecom assets.
In response to the industry’s growing needs, Dr. Maida affirmed that the NCC is actively working with other government agencies to address macroeconomic challenges that impact operators’ ability to make necessary investments in infrastructure.
“Through these initiatives, we are fostering a telecom ecosystem where consumers feel valued, informed, and empowered,” he concluded.
As part of the Commission’s commitment to transparency, consumers will soon have access to detailed network coverage maps that highlight signal strength and service gaps across the country. This will help consumers make better decisions when choosing telecom providers.
The Telecom Consumer Parliament, which serves as an open forum for dialogue between consumers and operators, is seen as a crucial platform for the ongoing development of a more transparent, accountable, and consumer-friendly telecom industry in Nigeria.
