The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has pledged to assist telecom operators as they face rising operational costs, acknowledging the economic challenges impacting the industry. Speaking at the 93rd Telecom Consumer Parliament in Abuja, NCC’s Executive Vice Chairman, Dr. Aminu Maida, highlighted the importance of addressing these issues to ensure the sustainability of Nigeria’s telecom sector.
Maida stressed the NCC’s active collaboration with government agencies and stakeholders to mitigate these challenges, ensuring operators can continue investing in the sector. He also touched on the rapid advancements in the telecom industry, including the transition from basic voice services to 5G-enabled innovations such as smart cities and the Internet of Things, which have accelerated digital adoption in Nigeria.
However, Maida acknowledged growing concerns over data usage and billing transparency. Although audits of Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) and Internet Service Providers (ISPs) did not reveal significant issues, he noted that the perception of fast data depletion persists due to high-resolution devices and complex tariff structures. With Nigeria’s data usage rising sharply—recording a 39% increase in daily data usage in 2024—Maida emphasized the need for clearer communication and consumer education.
In response, the NCC launched a Joint Industry Campaign to raise awareness about smarter data management and simplified tariff structures. The initiative, which utilizes various media platforms, aims to educate consumers on managing their data more efficiently.
Furthermore, Maida highlighted the persistent challenge of telecom infrastructure vandalism, a major hindrance to service quality. He praised the Federal Government’s decision to classify telecom infrastructure as Critical National Information Infrastructure, a step aimed at curbing these issues.
To further empower consumers, the NCC is developing detailed network coverage maps and finalizing Major Incident Reporting Guidelines. These initiatives will allow consumers to make more informed choices regarding service quality and ensure they are promptly notified of any disruptions to their telecom services.
