RismadarVoice Reporters
October 27, 2026
MTN Nigeria has attributed the rapid depletion of subscribers’ internet data bundles to high-resolution video streaming, automatic downloads, background applications and cloud backups, denying allegations that telecommunications operators deliberately deduct customers’ data.
The company explained its Data on Trial forum held in Abuja on Monday, October 26, on the sidelines of the 32nd Nigerian Economic Summit.
Speaking at the event, MTN’s General Manager of Network Performance, Mike Ndukwe, maintained that data consumption occurs through activities initiated by users or their devices, including processes running without their immediate knowledge.
Ndukwe explained that a 15-second TikTok video could consume between two and 20 megabytes, depending on its resolution and quality settings.
He noted that watching videos continuously, viewing WhatsApp status updates and automatically downloading media files could exhaust data bundles faster than subscribers expect.
According to him, increasing smartphone usage and demand for video content have significantly raised data consumption across Nigeria.
MTN’s General Manager of IT Operations, David Ogunsola, also addressed differences between data usage displayed on mobile phones and records maintained by telecommunications networks.
He explained that variations in measurement methods, background traffic and session timing could account for discrepancies in reported consumption.
Ogunsola added that faster network connections do not automatically increase the size of a particular download, although they allow users to access more content within shorter periods.
MTN Nigeria Chief Executive Officer, Karl Toriola, defended the company’s operating costs, citing expenses associated with electricity generation, infrastructure maintenance and transportation.
He said the telecommunications operator would continue educating subscribers about data management and billing transparency.
A representative of Xiaomi Nigeria, Kevin Kojode, similarly identified automatic software updates, cloud synchronisation and unsecured hotspot connections as factors contributing to unexpected data consumption.
Subscribers were advised to disable unnecessary automatic downloads, reduce video streaming quality and restrict application updates to Wi-Fi connections.
They were also encouraged to activate data-saving features, monitor background application activity and regularly review consumption through their phone settings or the MyMTN application.
However, MTN’s explanation does not independently resolve every complaint about unexpected deductions.
The Nigerian Communications Commission advises subscribers who suspect incorrect billing to report the issue to their service provider and escalate unresolved complaints to the regulator.
The Abuja forum formed part of MTN’s broader engagement with consumers over data usage, billing transparency and customer confidence in telecommunications services.
