The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has reaffirmed its commitment to consumer empowerment and transparency in data usage at the 93rd Telecoms Consumer Parliament. The theme, “Optimizing Data Experience: Empowering Consumers through Awareness and Transparency in a Consumer-Centric Telecom Industry,” underscored the agency’s mission to enhance the digital lives of Nigerians.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the NCC, outlined the Commission’s strategic focus on addressing consumer concerns about data usage and billing. “Our role at the NCC goes beyond ensuring access; we are dedicated to delivering a telecom experience that empowers and informs consumers,” Dr. Maida emphasized. “As digital transformation accelerates, transparency and consumer education have become essential for a sustainable telecom ecosystem.”
Dr. Maida highlighted NCC’s consumer-driven initiatives, including a Joint Industry Campaign on Smarter Data Usage, which partners with telecom operators to raise awareness about data management through radio, TV, newspapers, and SMS. “Our message is clear: an informed consumer is an empowered consumer,” he said, noting that tools like data tracking on smartphones and setting usage limits are accessible options that many consumers may not yet fully leverage.
NCC’s research revealed that data depletion remains one of the top concerns for Nigerian consumers, a trend fueled by the increasing use of high-resolution devices and advanced technologies like 4G and 5G. These technologies, while enhancing the digital experience, also demand more data. “A single hour on Instagram can now consume over 600MB, while streaming on platforms like YouTube in HD could use up to 5.4GB per hour,” Dr. Maida explained, underscoring the importance of consumer awareness regarding data-heavy activities.
The NCC has also introduced Guidance on Tariff Simplification to help consumers understand their data plans and costs better. This directive mandates clear, accessible information on data plans and billing, enabling consumers to make informed choices and manage their budgets more effectively. “Transparency is key to building consumer trust and satisfaction, and we are determined to foster it,” Dr. Maida stated.
Dr. Maida announced upcoming features to further enhance consumer experience, including network coverage maps that will display signal strength and coverage quality across Nigeria, helping consumers make informed decisions when choosing network providers. Additionally, Major Incident Reporting Guidelines will soon require operators to notify consumers of any major network disruptions, with these reports made available on the NCC website.
As data demand rises, the telecom sector faces ongoing challenges, including vandalism and infrastructure theft. Dr. Maida noted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent Presidential Order designating telecom assets as Critical National Infrastructure marks a crucial step in protecting these assets, essential for uninterrupted service delivery.
As the NCC and stakeholders continue working together, the Commission’s Strategic Vision remains clear: achieving a telecom sector that not only meets consumer needs but exceeds them, supporting Nigeria’s digital aspirations.
