Maryam Aminu
In a powerful call to action for Nigeria’s digital era, Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman and CEO of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), took the stage at the 93rd Telecoms Consumer Parliament to unveil a bold vision for consumer empowerment in telecommunications.
Centered on the theme “Optimizing Data Experience: Empowering Consumers through Awareness and Transparency in a Consumer-Centric Telecom Industry,” Dr. Maida’s address electrified the audience, spotlighting NCC’s mission to ensure every Nigerian has fair, transparent, and high-quality access to the digital world.
With data use soaring nationwide, this landmark event underscored the Commission’s commitment to reshaping the telecom experience for millions of consumers across the country.
Speaking at the Communications and Digital Economy Complex Auditorium, Dr. Maida detailed the NCC’s commitment to addressing the data needs and concerns of Nigerian consumers.
With Nigeria witnessing a massive surge in data usage averaging 336 gigabytes per second daily, a 39% increase from last year Dr. Maida noted the rising demand and its challenges.
He acknowledged that, while technological advancements such as 4G and 5G have transformed lifestyles, the rapid evolution has also brought consumer concerns, particularly over data depletion and billing transparency.
“We are seeing Nigerians consume more data due to increased digital activities and sophisticated devices. Yet, many feel their data depletes faster than expected,” Dr. Maida stated.
He cited global statistics, including Nigeria’s 132 million internet connections, to underline the scale of data reliance in the country, where average daily social media use significantly surpasses global norms.
In response to concerns about data depletion, Dr. Maida revealed NCC’s proactive steps, including an analysis of consumer complaints that identified data depletion and billing as top issues.
This analysis prompted the NCC to direct telecom operators to audit their billing systems, although no major anomalies were found.
“Consumers may not realize that high-resolution devices and upgraded technologies naturally consume more data,” he explained, highlighting the impact of high-definition screens and enhanced digital engagement on data usage.
Dr. Maida also announced the launch of a Joint Industry Campaign on Consumer Awareness, which the NCC is spearheading with operators. This campaign educates consumers on data management via a multimedia approach, spanning radio, TV, newspapers, and SMS.
“Our goal is to empower consumers with tools and knowledge to better manage their data usage,” he emphasized, stressing the importance of understanding smartphone features that allow users to monitor and control data consumption.
In tackling tariff complexities, Dr. Maida outlined NCC’s recent Guidance on Tariff Simplification, which mandates that operators offer clear, easily accessible information about data plans. “Transparency in tariff information enables consumers to make well-informed choices, an essential aspect of our consumer-centric telecom vision,” he affirmed, noting that operators would soon roll out simplified tables detailing their rates and terms.
Another key highlight was NCC’s drive for a holistic approach to Quality of Experience (QoE) across the telecom value chain.
From SIM registration to service usage, Dr. Maida emphasized that every phase of the consumer’s telecom journey must meet high standards.
He pointed to NCC’s revised guidelines, which assign accountability to all stakeholders, from Mobile Network Operators to infrastructure providers like TowerCos and backhaul service providers, to ensure seamless connectivity.
However, Dr. Maida did not shy away from addressing the broader challenges the industry faces, such as the vandalism and theft of telecom assets.
He welcomed the recent Executive Order signed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which designates telecom infrastructure as Critical National Information Infrastructure, enhancing the Commission’s ability to safeguard these essential assets. “This Executive Order strengthens our efforts to curb the disruption of services due to infrastructure vandalism,” he remarked.
Recognizing economic hurdles, Dr. Maida acknowledged the rising costs in the business environment, which he said have affected operators’ investments in the sector.
“The NCC is working closely with the government to address these economic challenges and ensure the industry’s sustainability,” he added.
As a key part of NCC’s future plans, Dr. Maida revealed ongoing work on the Commission’s Major Incident Reporting Guidelines. Once implemented, these guidelines will require operators to notify consumers about major incidents impacting their networks, with the information also available on the NCC website. In addition, NCC will soon provide coverage maps to indicate network strengths across Nigeria, enabling consumers to make better-informed choices.
Dr. Maida reiterated NCC’s commitment to fostering a consumer-centered telecom ecosystem. “Our objective is to create an industry where consumers feel valued, informed, and empowered,” he stated. “This parliament serves as a platform for consumers to voice their concerns, and our discussions here will shape a telecom industry that consistently meets their expectations.”
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