MTN Nigeria addressed the surge in data consumption that many subscribers have complained about, saying that video streaming, automatic downloads and background applications are the main culprits. Speaking at the “Data on Trial” forum in Abuja on Monday, October 26, 2026, the company’s General Manager of Network Performance, Mike Ndukwe, laid out the reasons behind rapid data depletion and offered practical steps to help users stretch their bundles.
Ndukwe told the audience that MTN does not “steal” data, but acknowledged the frustration of customers who see their balances shrink despite limited active use. He explained that data can be consumed by actions users initiate, such as watching high‑resolution videos on TikTok, YouTube, Instagram or by enabling auto‑download features in messaging apps like WhatsApp. A short 15‑second TikTok clip, he noted, can gobble anywhere from two to twenty megabytes depending on the video’s resolution, while WhatsApp media set to auto‑download will “straight away hit your data bundle.”
The telecom operator also highlighted that background traffic, processes that run while a phone appears idle, adds to the overall usage. According to Ndukwe, the average increase in internet data consumption over the past year was about 43 percent, a rise he linked to growing digital activity and the lure of faster connections. While 3G and 4G networks primarily affect speed rather than the amount of data an activity consumes, faster speeds often encourage users to stream at higher quality, further accelerating the drain.
MTN’s General Manager of IT Operations, David Ogunsola, added that the figures shown on smartphones can differ from the operator’s records by as much as 12 percent. He attributed the gap to measurement methods, rounding practices, background traffic and the timing of data sessions. These technical nuances mean that a user’s phone may report slightly higher or lower usage than the network’s billing system, a discrepancy that can cause confusion when balances run low.
Xiaomi’s Northwest Sales Manager, Kevin Kojode, echoed the telecom’s assessment, pointing out that automatic software updates, cloud backups and unrestricted hotspot connections also siphon data even when owners are not actively browsing. “Today, users don’t just go online, they stay online,” Kojode said, emphasizing that many processes run silently in the background.
Both MTN and Xiaomi outlined five phone settings that could help curb unnecessary consumption. First, users should disable automatic media downloads on WhatsApp and similar messaging platforms. Second, lowering the streaming quality on TikTok, YouTube and Instagram can cut data use dramatically. Third, restricting software updates and cloud backups to Wi‑Fi connections prevents large files from eating into mobile bundles. Fourth, limiting background data usage and regularly monitoring which apps consume the most data can keep consumption in check. Finally, keeping an eye on hotspot connections and checking balances through the MyMTN app ensures that users stay aware of their remaining allowance.
MTN’s Chief Executive Officer, Karl Toriola, defended the company’s operating costs, noting that Nigerian operators often supply electricity and transportation for network sites, inflating expenses compared with peers in Europe or the United States. He said the equipment used is comparable worldwide but the added infrastructure costs are passed on in part through higher data prices. Toriola promised that MTN would step up consumer education to help subscribers understand how their phone settings impact data consumption, hoping that informed users will experience fewer surprise outages.
The discussion at the “Data on Trial” forum came amid broader industry shifts, including the re‑entry of former MTN rival NTEL, which is rolling out cheaper eSIM services and wireless broadband solutions aimed at expanding affordable connectivity. While NTEL’s entry may increase competition, the immediate concern for many Nigerians remains how to make the most of the data they already have.
In response to the briefing, consumer advocacy groups have called for clearer disclosures from mobile operators about how data is measured and billed. They argue that transparent information on background usage and automatic downloads would empower users to make better choices. MTN, for its part, has pledged to continue the education drive, using its MyMTN platform and social media channels to disseminate the tips shared at the forum.
As the 32nd Nigerian Economic Summit draws to a close, the next steps include MTN’s rollout of a series of in‑app tutorials that will walk subscribers through disabling auto‑download features and adjusting streaming quality settings. The company also plans to partner with smartphone manufacturers to embed data‑saving prompts directly into device settings menus. With these measures, MTN hopes to alleviate the frustration of rapid data consumption and give Nigerians greater control over their internet expenses.
