NCC shares smart data management tips with Corps members in Niger, Nasarawa

*The Nigerian Communications Commission sensitises the National Youth Service Corps members in Niger and Nasarawa states on consumers’ data depletion and billing transparency, to empower telecoms consumers, and protect their interests in the country’s digital space

Gbenga Kayode | ConsumerConnect

As part of its ongoing consumer education and sensitisation campaigns, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has sensitised the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) on the issue of consumers’ data usage and data depletion at the at the Magaji Dan-Yamusa Permanent Orientation Camp of NYSC, in Keffi, Nasarawa State.

ConsumerConnect reports the NCC likewise sensitised the young Nigerians on telecoms issues at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp, in Paiko, Niger State.

The sensitisation is part of the Commission’s strategic consumer outreach, and the theme: “Consumer Sensitisation on Data Depletion: The Role of National Youth Service Corps Members”.

According to NCC, theme of the enlightenment programme was quite germane, following increasing number of complaints received on data issues in the West African country’s digital space.

It is equally noted that the recurring issue of data usage and depletion has continued to resonate and elicit concerns from consumers in view of some developments in the Nigerian communications industry in recent times.

Corps members as Nigeria’s future leaders

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

Top officials of NCC presented Bruce-Bennett’s address at both NYSC Orientation Camps in Nasarawa and Niger states.

The NCC Director CAB 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”.

Alignment of NCC, NYSC’s core mission

As regards areas of alignment of the NCC and NYSC for nation-building, inclusive growth, the telecoms regulator emphasised the mission of Corps scheme and NCC align in several ways.

Bruce-Bennett noted that 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.”

The Commission as well referenced industry statistics on the number of Internet subscriptions, which surged from 105 million August 2018 to 142 million as of January 2025.

This growth, the Director said, is fuelled by the increasing popularity and usage of social media, other online content, and the wider availability of data networks.

Thus, in a digital age where data fuels everything from communication to education, business to social interaction, protecting consumers from exploitative practices and ensuring digital literacy is not important; it is essential.

The NCC mentioned rapid advancements in modern technology that have introduced to new features on smartphones, which several consumers may not fully understand.

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

The industry regulator, therefore, averred that telecoms consumer perception of their rapid data depletion “remains a major pain point and continues to affect Quality of Experience (QoE) as well as overall consumer satisfaction in the telecoms industry” in the Nigerian ecosystem.

The Commission said an independent not-for profit organisation recently conducted a consumer survey to highlight the scale of public concerns over inexplicable data depletion and billing transparency in the ecosystem.

NCC’s proactive measures to address data depletion, billing transparency

Enumerating some proactive steps taken to address the burning issue of data depletion and billing transparency, the Commission 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.

The Directory of CAB explained “these efforts are directly tied to the broader goal of promoting effective Data management.”

The NCC top executive as well said: “It is important that telecom 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.”

Some factors causing excessive data usage on mobile devices

Mrs. Bruce-Bennett, Director of Consumer Affairs Bureau at NCC, as well outlined key factors responsible for the rate at which consumers use data.

She noted some factors that can lead to excessive data usage include:

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’s 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.

She, however, urged the serving Corps members to find out more about smart data management at consumer.ncc.gov.ng.

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