MTN Explains Why Nigerians’ Data Finishes Quickly

Speaking at a forum titled “Data on Trial” in Abuja on Monday, MTN’s General Manager of Network Performance, Mike Ndukwe, said smartphone settings and application usage significantly influence data consumption.

“We’re not stealing your data. However, we completely understand how it feels, especially right now, where every amount counts. But the honest answer is that data is not taken without an action, either your action or your phone,” he said.

He explained that apps such as TikTok, YouTube, Instagram and WhatsApp can consume large amounts of data, particularly when videos play automatically or are streamed in high resolution.

Automatic downloads on WhatsApp can also quickly exhaust subscriptions. He advised users to disable unnecessary downloads, reduce video quality and activate data-saving features.

MTN’s General Manager of IT Operations, David Ogunsola, added that differences between data usage displayed on smartphones and network records could result from measurement methods, background traffic and the timing of data sessions. He said these variations could range from two per cent to about 12 per cent in some circumstances.

MTN Chief Executive Officer Karl Toriola also defended the cost of providing internet services, citing high electricity and infrastructure maintenance expenses. He said Nigerian operators face significant operating costs while maintaining equipment comparable to that used in other countries.

Meanwhile, Xiaomi Nigeria’s Northwest Sales Manager, Kevin Kojode, warned that automatic software updates, cloud synchronisation and unrestricted hotspot connections could consume data without users noticing.

The speakers urged Nigerians to understand their smartphone settings and monitor background activities to manage their data subscriptions more effectively.

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