Officials of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) on Thursday, August 7, 2025, visited the Magaji Dan-Yamusa Permanent Orientation Camp of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Keffi, Nasarawa State and the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp in Paiko, Niger State, where they sensitised Corps Members on issues affecting telecom consumers.

The engagement, themed “Consumer Sensitisation on Data Depletion: The Role of National Youth Service Corps Members,” was part of the Commission’s strategic outreach programme aimed at empowering young Nigerians with the knowledge to champion telecom consumer rights, especially in the area of smart data management.

The Director, Consumer Affairs Bureau of the Commission, Mrs. Freda Ruth Bruce-Bennett, who represented the Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, conveyed the goodwill of the Commission and commended the NYSC for its dedication to national unity and capacity building.

She noted that the missions of both the NYSC and NCC were aligned in their shared commitment to nation-building, inclusive growth, and opportunities for all Nigerians. Explaining the rationale for the sensitisation, Mrs. Bruce-Bennett highlighted the rising complaints about data depletion and billing transparency.

According to her, internet subscriptions in Nigeria grew from 105 million in August 2018 to 142 million in January 2025, driven by social media, digital content and improved access to broadband.

However, she noted that many consumers remain unaware of smartphone features and applications that trigger excessive data usage. Citing causes such as video streaming, background app updates, GPS services, hotspot usage and automatic app downloads, she advised Corps Members to adopt smart practices including monitoring data consumption, using Wi-Fi when available, restricting background data, disabling auto-updates, and activating data-saving features on their devices.

She also encouraged them to use the NCC’s consumer protection portal (consumer.ncc.gov.ng) and other official complaint platforms to escalate service-related challenges, stressing that their active role as “consumer champions” would help improve service delivery nationwide.

“As educated and socially connected young people, Corps Members are key agents of change who can help spread awareness on consumer rights in the telecom sector,” she said, adding that the Commission is conducting a comprehensive study on data depletion while continuing proactive measures such as consumer education, enforcement of fair usage policies and engagement with service providers.

Beyond the sensitisation lectures, the NCC engaged Corps Members in quiz competitions across both camps, where winners received gift items such as power banks, airtime and data subscriptions. To further support the welfare of Corps Members, the Commission also donated three bags of rice (50kg each) and three 25-litre gallons of cooking oil to each of the two camps.

The items were received on behalf of the NYSC by the Nasarawa State Coordinator, Hajiya Salamatu Mohammed, and the Niger State Coordinator, Mrs. Martina Shuaibu-Ibrahim, who both commended the Commission for its consumer protection initiatives and support for the scheme. Mrs. Bruce-Bennett concluded by reaffirming NCC’s determination to build a telecom sector rooted in fairness, transparency and inclusiveness, stressing that consumer experiences and feedback remain central to shaping the future of the industry.