MTN Nigeria has defended its data billing practices, assuring customers that it does not "steal" their data. The telecom giant made the clarification during its "Data on Trial" initiative in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The event allowed customers to question MTN officials over data consumption. MTN executives constituted the defence team, while customers and content creators played the role of prosecution. This initiative aims to provide customers with greater visibility into their data consumption.
MTN's Chief Customer Relations and Experience Officer, Ugonwa Nwoye, stated that customers have been requesting more information on data usage. The company has been conducting sensitisation campaigns for about two years. These campaigns were designed to educate customers on how to track data usage on their phones and platforms built by MTN. The goal is to enhance customer understanding of data consumption.
According to MTN Nigeria's General Manager, Network Performance and Quality Assurance, Mike Ndukwe, data consumption is increasing rapidly. He attributes this growth to the migration from older network technologies to 4G and 5G. The proliferation of smartphones, social media, and high-definition video content has also contributed to this trend.
Nigeria's data consumption has been on the rise, with 13.2 million terabytes consumed in 2025. In the first half of the current year, consumption reached 8.52 million terabytes. This represents a 43 per cent year-on-year growth compared to the corresponding period. These statistics indicate a significant increase in data usage among Nigerian subscribers.
The "Data on Trial" initiative is a courtroom-style engagement that allows customers to question MTN officials. This event was held at the weekend and featured customers and content creators as the prosecution. MTN executives constituted the defence team. The goal is to provide a platform for customers to express their concerns and get clarification on data consumption.
MTN's initiative aims to address customer concerns and provide education on data consumption. The company acknowledges growing concerns among subscribers over unexplained data depletion. By engaging with customers directly, MTN hopes to enhance transparency and build trust.
The telecom giant's effort to engage with customers and provide education on data consumption is ongoing. MTN will continue to monitor and address customer concerns. The company aims to provide better services and improve customer satisfaction.
Key points
- MTN Nigeria consumed 13.2 million terabytes of data in 2025.
- The company has seen a 43 per cent year-on-year growth in data consumption.
- MTN's "Data on Trial" initiative aims to provide customers with greater visibility into their data consumption.
