By Elvis Eromosele
In Nigeria, agreement is a rare commodity. From politics to football, fuel prices to fashion trends, consensus is hard to come by. But there’s one issue where Nigerians seem to have found uncommon unity: ‘telcos are ripping us off’. The cry is loud, familiar and constant “My data just disappeared!” Today, it’s no longer an isolated complaint but a national lament. And while telcos offer explanations, the collective frustration suggests, “there is no evidence.”
In a country where over 150 million people rely on mobile internet, one has to agree with Airtel that “data is life.” It’s how we connect, work, study, entertain ourselves, and even pray. Yet, many users report that data bought today disappears by tomorrow, often without heavy use.
“I bought 5GB yesterday evening, and it’s gone this morning. I didn’t stream anything!” This statement is now almost as common as the obnoxious, “How was your night”
Such complaints aren’t isolated. They’re widespread and recurring. And while telecom operators consistently deny any wrongdoing, the perception persists. And perception, as we know, is powerful.
Why Nigerians feel cheated
Lack of Transparency: Many users believe they’re not properly informed about how data is consumed. Unlike electricity where a meter shows what you use, data usage is more abstract.
Background Apps: Most smartphones, especially Android devices, have apps that run silently in the background, syncing updates, auto-downloading media, and consuming data without explicit user action or consent.
High Cost of Data:While Nigeria boasts one of the lowest data rates in Africa in absolute terms, the cost is still high relative to average income. In effect, what should be “cheap” data feels expensive because wages are low.
No Effective Monitoring Tools: Users often rely on network messages or third-party apps to track usage, which may not align with telco records. The mismatch further fuels distrust.
Lack of Consumer Protection: Complaints to the service providers or even the regulator, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), often go unanswered or unresolved, leaving users feeling powerless.
Are Telcos guilty?
To be fair, telcos invest billions in infrastructure, regulatory compliance, taxes, and technology upgrades. They operate in a challenging environment marked by erratic power supply, vandalism of facilities, and currency volatility. But that doesn’t excuse poor service or unexplained data loss.
Even if there’s no “deliberate rip-off,” the feeling of exploitation remains, and that’s bad for business.
What Needs to Change?
1. Increased Transparency: Telcos must provide clearer, real-time data usage breakdowns. Just as banks now send SMS alerts for every transaction, users should be able to see what each MB or GB was used for—live and in simple language.
2. Data Rollover Policies: Although some telcos allow rollover, many users still lose unused data at month’s end. Rollover should be automatic and last longer than 7 days. Better yet, data should last until it’s used.
3. Stronger Regulation: The NCC must become more consumer-centric. Proactive monitoring, spot checks on telcos’ data systems, and enforceable penalties for infractions will go a long way.
4. Consumer Education: Many users are unaware of how smartphones consume data. Regular consumer education on app management, automatic updates, and best practices will empower users to control usage.
5. Affordable, Uncapped Data Plans: A shift towards affordable, unlimited or truly “fair use” capped plans—especially for night or weekend usage—can ease the pressure on users and reduce complaints.
6. Independent Audits: Regulators or consumer watchdogs should conduct independent audits of data billing systems. Findings should be made public to build trust.
What can consumers do now?
While waiting for systemic changes, users can take proactive steps to better manage their data. One effective approach is to turn off background data for non-essential apps, ensuring that only critical applications consume data when not in active use.
Switching to data-saving browsers like Opera Mini or activating Lite Mode in Chrome can also significantly reduce data consumption. Additionally, users should disable the auto-download feature for media on apps like WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook to prevent unnecessary data drain.
Regularly monitoring data usage through phone settings or reliable third-party apps can help users stay informed and in control. Whenever possible, connecting to Wi-Fi, especially for activities like app updates and streaming, will further conserve mobile data and enhance overall efficiency.
The road ahead
Data is the fuel of Nigeria’s digital economy. As remote work, online education, and e-commerce continue to grow, the importance of reliable and affordable mobile data cannot be overstated.
The telcos must realize that perception is as powerful as reality. If Nigerians feel shortchanged, then something must give. This is the time for honesty, transparency, innovation, and collaboration. The consumers deserve better. The telcos can do better. After all, it’s not just about data. It’s about trust.