Oluwafunbi Bello 
LAGOS, Nigeria – MTN Data Billing Review has been launched by MTN Nigeria as the telecommunications giant seeks to address growing concerns over data consumption and strengthen public confidence in its billing processes.
The company announced a nationwide public engagement initiative that will allow subscribers and stakeholders to scrutinise how data usage is measured and charged.
The move comes amid persistent complaints from customers who believe their data bundles are exhausted faster than expected.
Speaking during a media briefing in Lagos, MTN’s Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer, Tobe Okigbo, said the company was committed to transparency and open dialogue.
“We want Nigerians to tell us what is wrong, ask questions and help us identify issues so that we can collectively find solutions,” Okigbo said.
According to him, the review process follows previous interventions undertaken by the company to address customer concerns, including complaints about unauthorised deductions linked to value-added services.
The initiative will include a live-streamed session designed to allow customers from across Nigeria to participate directly and gain a clearer understanding of how data billing works.
Responding to allegations that telecom operators deduct data unfairly, MTN’s General Manager for Network Quality, Mike Ndukwe, said several user behaviours contribute significantly to data consumption.
“Data consumption begins the moment customers stream videos, browse websites, download files or run applications in the background,” Ndukwe explained.
He said many subscribers underestimate the impact of automatic software updates, cloud synchronisation, video autoplay functions and mobile hotspot connections.
Ndukwe also noted that increasing adoption of 4G and 5G technology has encouraged consumers to access higher-quality content, which typically requires larger volumes of data.
To reduce unnecessary consumption, he advised subscribers to review device settings regularly, disable unwanted background applications and adjust video streaming quality where appropriate.
Meanwhile, MTN’s General Manager for Network Services, Asura Mshelia, highlighted several operational challenges affecting service delivery.
He identified vandalism, power disruptions, equipment failures and fibre-optic cable damage as major threats to network performance.
“Attacks on network facilities often lead to widespread service disruptions,” Mshelia said.
The company expressed optimism that the public review exercise would improve consumer understanding of data billing practices and help bridge the trust gap between operators and subscribers.
Industry analysts say the initiative could become a significant step towards improving accountability and transparency in Nigeria’s telecommunications sector.
About the Author
Oluwatobi Adu 
Edino Chubiyo Cornelius 