By Nkechi Eze
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has urged Corps Members to take active roles as consumer champions in their various communities by educating Nigerians on smart data management and the protection of their telecom rights.
The Director, Consumer Affairs Bureau of the Commission, Mrs. Freda Ruth Bruce-Bennett, made the call during a sensitisation programme organised for members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). She said the engagement was in line with the NCC’s strategic consumer outreach programme aimed at empowering telecom subscribers and protecting their interests in a rapidly evolving digital environment.
Speaking on behalf of the Executive Vice Chairman of the Commission, Dr. Aminu Maida, Mrs. Bruce-Bennett conveyed the warm greetings of the Management and staff of the NCC, and commended the NYSC for its unwavering dedication to national unity, capacity development and social cohesion. She noted that the mission of the NYSC and that of the NCC were aligned in their commitment to nation-building, inclusive growth and provision of opportunities for all Nigerians.
She explained that the sensitisation, themed “Consumer Sensitization on Data Depletion: The Role of National Youth Service Corps Members”, became necessary following the increasing number of complaints from consumers on data depletion and billing transparency. According to her, the number of internet subscriptions in Nigeria grew from 105 million in August 2018 to 142 million in January 2025 due to the rising popularity of social media, availability of online content and improved access to data services, adding that in the digital age, data has become an essential element for communication, education, business and social interaction.
Mrs. Bruce-Bennett pointed out that rapid advancements in smartphone technology often leave consumers with limited understanding of features that contribute to unintentionally high data consumption. She said consumer perception of rapid data depletion has remained a major concern and continues to affect quality of experience and overall consumer satisfaction in the telecom sector. She said these concerns were also highlighted by a recent survey conducted by the Foundation for Investigative Journalism which demonstrated the scale of public concern over unexplained data depletion.
She stated that while the Commission is conducting a comprehensive study on the issue, it has already taken proactive steps, including consumer education and sensitisation campaigns such as the one being held for the Corps Members. She added that the NCC has also promoted transparent data usage initiatives, enforced fair usage policies and maintained constant engagement with service providers to enhance the quality of experience across the country.
She maintained that telecom subscribers must be equipped with adequate knowledge on how to monitor, control and optimise the use of their data, whether on daily, weekly or monthly subscription plans. She highlighted the fact that lack of awareness on appropriate usage practices often leads to frustration and distrust among consumers.
Listing common causes of excessive data usage such as streaming, background app updates, social media use, GPS location services and hotspot usage, Mrs Bruce-Bennett advised Corps Members to embrace smart data management practices, including regular monitoring of data usage, using Wi-Fi whenever possible, turning off automatic app updates, restricting background data and taking advantage of data-saving settings on their devices. She encouraged them to get more information at the Commission’s consumer protection portal consumer.ncc.gov.ng and assured them that the NCC is committed to providing a fair, competitive and transparent telecom environment for Nigerians.
Mrs. Bruce-Bennett reminded the Corps Members that as educated and socially connected young people, they are key agents of change capable of increasing public awareness of consumer rights in the telecom sector. She urged them to become consumer champions by spreading awareness among family members and communities, educating others on the Commission’s initiatives and reporting challenges to the NCC’s official complaint platforms to help improve service delivery across the country.
She concluded by reaffirming the NCC’s unwavering determination to build a telecom sector that upholds fairness, inclusiveness and trust, stressing that the experiences and feedback of consumers are critical in shaping policy and advancing the sector.
She thanked the Corps Members for their service to the nation and encouraged them to fill out the sensitisation questionnaires issued during the engagement and connect with the Commission through its social media handles and consumer complaint platforms.
