The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has taken its consumer enlightenment campaign to young Nigerians at the grassroots, engaging thousands of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members at the Magaji Dan-Yamusa Permanent Orientation Camp, Keffi, Nasarawa State, and the NYSC Orientation Camp in Paiko, Niger State.
The sensitisation exercise, held simultaneously across both camps, focused on data depletion, consumer protection, and smart data management, reflecting NCC’s resolve to empower young Nigerians as champions of consumer rights in the digital age.
Quiz, Donations and Engagements
Beyond the educative sessions, corps members were thrilled with interactive quiz competitions, where winners received gift items such as power banks, airtime, and data subscriptions.
In a show of corporate social responsibility and support for corps members, the NCC also donated bags of rice and vegetable oil to each camp. The items were received by the respective NYSC State Coordinators, Hajiya Salamatu Mohammed in Nasarawa and Mrs. Martina Shuaibu-Ibrahim in Niger.
Data Depletion: A Key Consumer Concern
Delivering a keynote message on behalf of the Commission, officials read the address of the Director, Consumer Affairs Bureau, Mrs. Freda Ruth Bruce-Bennett. She highlighted the Commission’s focus on addressing widespread concerns over data depletion, which has become one of the most frequently reported issues by consumers.
According to her, Nigeria’s internet subscriptions have grown from 105 million in August 2018 to 142 million in January 2025, driven by social media usage, digital services, and widespread access to broadband. While this growth reflects Nigeria’s deepening digital economy, it has also heightened consumer anxieties over data consumption and billing transparency.
“The issue of data depletion continues to resonate with consumers, affecting their quality of experience. Many are unaware that smartphone features, background app updates, streaming, and even navigation apps can lead to higher data usage,” Bruce-Bennett said.
She pointed out that NCC has already undertaken studies on the matter while also introducing initiatives on data transparency, enforcement of fair usage policies, and continuous consumer education.
Tips for Smart Data Use
The NCC urged corps members to embrace smarter ways of managing data, including:
- Regularly monitoring data usage.
- Restricting background data for apps.
- Using Wi-Fi and downloading content offline.
- Turning off automatic updates and location services.
- Enabling data-saving modes on devices.
“By applying these practices, subscribers can significantly reduce unnecessary data consumption,” she added, pointing corps members to NCC’s dedicated consumer portal, consumer.ncc.gov.ng, for more resources.
Corps Members as Consumer Champions
The NCC emphasised that corps members, given their education, mobility, and digital fluency, have a vital role to play as consumer champions across communities.
“We urge you to spread awareness of consumer rights, educate your peers about NCC’s initiatives, and serve as partners in strengthening Nigeria’s telecom ecosystem,” Bruce-Bennett told the corps members.
Strengthening Consumer Trust
Closing her remarks, she reaffirmed NCC’s commitment to building a telecom sector that is fair, transparent, and consumer-centric.
“Your voices matter. Your experiences shape policy. Together, let us build a telecom sector that works for all Nigerians, not just in access, but in quality, transparency, and trust,” she said.
The sensitisation campaign in Nasarawa and Niger is part of NCC’s broader strategic consumer outreach, aligning with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to deepen digital literacy and protect the rights of all telecom subscribers.
