Data Depletion, Nigerian Consumers and the FCCPC’s Silent Intervention -By Edwin Uhara

The various telecommunication companies in the country have come under intensed pressure from the Nigerian consumers over rapid depletion of mobile data services despite the high cost of purchasing mobile data; with some accusing some of the regulatory agencies of not doing their jobs properly.

Apart from Nigerians, I have personally experienced such unsatisfactory service in recent times until I came across various online campaign materials against telecom service providers and some regulatory agencies like the Nigerian Communications Commission and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission who have all been accused of doing nothing while the unhealthy practices continued in the telecoms industry.

“According to report, telecom subscribers are sending emails and direct messages to the Nigerian Communications Commission and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, demanding an investigation into what they describe as unexplained data consumption.”

In the midst of such accusation, operators insist that there is no mechanism for reducing customers’ data, arguing instead that rising consumption is due to users behaviour, particularly the shift from 3G and 4G to 5G and increased video streaming habit.

Such controversy comes on the hills of the recent intervention by the Nigerian Senate urging the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy to engage operators on reviewing data and internet-related service costs.

While data consumption issues have remained a pressing concern in recent times, the situation became more pronounced since the implementation of new tariff by service providers.

“The report however added that many subscribers who shared screenshots of emails sent to regulators on social media remained unconvinced, arguing that the problem lies in the operators’ billing systems rather than their usage habits.”

“It added that data prices are too high these days. Every Nigerian should report the operators to NCC, FCCPC, and send them thousands of emails; otherwise, this price hike won’t stop,” one of the customers said.”

“Not only has data become more expensive, but it also seemed to deplete faster than before. This is unacceptable,” another user complained.”

Nigeria’s internet consumption crossed the one million terabyte mark for the first time in January 2025, highlighting the surging demand for internet services and Nigeria’s increasing dependence on digital connectivity.

To be very honest, I have followed the activities of the FCCPC for a very long time now, and I have also written extensively about the commission’s activities to place me in a better position to know what the agency is doing to stop exploitative practices in the country.

During the nationwide food crisis last year, the commission was in the forefront of the war against exploitative practices with many raids against some manufacturers who were caught in the shabby practice.

We also remember the open confrontation between the commission and a minister last year over some unhealthy practices involving a popular airline operator in the country.

And most recently, the commission is in court over some issues involving multiChoice company, the parent company of DStv and Gotv over some of it’s billing systems.

Like the situation in the telecoms industry, the price hike by multiChoice saw DStv Compact move from ₦15,700 to ₦19,000. Compact Plus from ₦25,000 to ₦30,000. Premium from ₦37,000 to ₦44,500, and GOtv Supa Plus from ₦15,700 to ₦16,800.

Following the new price regime, the FCCPC directed MultiChoice to suspend the increase pending regulatory review, but the company went ahead with the price adjustment, leading to the legal dispute now before Justice James Omotosho.

I can go on to name many of the battles against exploitative practices the FCCPC addressed last year, but will not do so because I don’t want this article to be viewed as a public relations material by my readers.

However, I managed to get across to a staff of the FCCPC who do not want his name in print over data depletion which Nigerians are complaining about but he told me that the commission is already addressing the concerns raised by Nigerians and promised that the outcome of such investigation would soon be made public.

Therefore, I appeal to Nigerians to exercise more patience as the issue is been addressed.

Comrade Edwin Uhara is A Public Affairs Commentator.

He writes from Abuja