NCC Urges NYSC Members to Champion Smart Data Management Amid Rising Concerns Over Data Depletion

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has called on National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members to take an active role in educating Nigerians on smart data management practices to curb excessive data depletion.

The appeal was made by Mrs. Freda Ruth Bruce-Bennett, Director of the Consumer Affairs Bureau at the NCC, during a sensitization programme held at the NYSC Orientation Camp on Wednesday, August 7, 2025.

Speaking on the theme, “Consumer Sensitization on Data Depletion: The Role of National Youth Service Corps Members,” Mrs. Bruce-Bennett highlighted the growing concerns among telecom subscribers over unexplained data depletion.

She noted that internet subscriptions in Nigeria had surged from 105 million in 2018 to 142 million in January 2025, driven by increased social media usage, online content consumption, and expanded data network coverage.

The NCC Director pointed out several factors contributing to rapid data depletion, including:  (YouTube, Netflix, Spotify), High-resolution media on social platforms, (Instagram, Facebook, X).

The others are Automatic app updates, which include background data usage, and hotspot sharing and roaming.

A recent survey by the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ) further underscored public dissatisfaction with data billing transparency. In response, the NCC has intensified consumer education campaigns, enforced fair usage policies, and engaged telecom operators to improve service quality.

On Smart Data Management Tips, Mrs. Bruce-Bennett advised corps members and the general public to adopt the following practices:

1. Monitor data usage via built-in phone trackers or third-party apps.

2. Use Wi-Fi for downloads and updates where available.

3. Disable automatic updates and restrict background data.

4. Download content offline to reduce repeated data consumption.

5. Enable data-saving modes on smartphones.

As tech-savvy youth, NYSC members were urged to become “Consumer Champions” by educating communities on data management and NCC initiatives, reporting service issues through NCC’s complaint channels, and promoting transparency in the telecom sector.

Reiterating the NCC’s commitment to a consumer-friendly telecom environment, Mrs. Bruce-Bennett emphasized the role of public feedback in shaping policies.

She encouraged participants to complete sensitization questionnaires and engage with the Commission via its website (consumer.ncc.gov.ng) and social media platforms.

The event concluded with a strong call for collective action to ensure a fair, transparent, and efficient digital ecosystem for all Nigerians.

About The Author

Dele Fashomi

Dele Fashomi, seasoned journalist and communication teacher, is a holder of Master of Arts degree in Communication and Language Arts from the University of Ibadan in 1992/93.

Earlier, he had bagged a Bachelor degree from the same university in 1984, after which he proceeded to the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Lagos, in 1990, for a postgraduate diploma in Journalism.

He had done many courses in communication, including the EU-BBC Editing Course in 2002.

Mr. Fashomi combines effectively the practice, research and teaching of communication. And to date, he has published two academic works in communication: Issues in Communication Technology and Policy (2010) and Economic and Social Issues in Advertising and PR (2013).

He had his first break in the Nigerian media in Concord Newspapers in 1990 and today, he has over two and half decades experience earned in several newspapers.

He has been part of many start-ups, such as The Republic (1987), The Comet (1999), The Anchor 2001 – 2002; Sun Newspapers (2003); Westerner newsmagazine (2005 – 2010) as Editor; National Life (2011) as Sunday Editor, and Newswatch Newspapers (2012- 2016) as Daily Editor.

Dele Fashomi is now the Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of Newstide247.com newspaper online, which he started in July 2015. He is also into biography writing, with many books in his trail, some of which he wrote alone and one he co- authored with his mentor, Mr Dare Babarinsa, entitled:  Olabiyi Durojaiye – DARE TO BE DiFFERENT. He also guided and collaborated with Pa Olatunji Odusanya in writing his autobiography – AGAINST ALL ODDS. There are many other books in the works under his pen.

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