Nigeria’s telecom subscribers have escalated their complaints about rapid data depletion by reaching out to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) through emails and direct messages. They are urging authorities to investigate what they perceive as excessive and unexplained data consumption.
Telecom operators, however, maintain that data usage is solely dependent on customer behavior. They attribute the increased consumption to the transition from 3G and 4G networks to 5G, along with the growing preference for video streaming, which demands higher bandwidth. According to them, there is no hidden mechanism reducing subscribers’ data balances.
This dispute gained momentum after the Nigerian Senate recently advised the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy to engage telecom operators in discussions regarding a potential review of data and internet service pricing. The matter became even more contentious following a 50% increase in data and call tariffs, which took effect in February 2025.
Over the weekend, some telecom companies attempted to pacify aggrieved customers through social media interactions, providing tips on data management. However, many subscribers remained dissatisfied, arguing that the issue stems from faulty billing systems rather than their personal usage patterns. Social media was flooded with screenshots of email complaints sent to regulatory bodies, reflecting widespread frustration.
Meanwhile, Nigeria’s internet consumption surpassed one million terabytes in January 2025—a record high—demonstrating the country’s growing reliance on digital connectivity.
