Updated: MTN Opens Billing System Amid Data Depletion Complaints

MTN Nigeria has unveiled a new transparency initiative aimed at addressing persistent complaints from subscribers over data depletion and billing practices, as the telecommunications giant seeks to strengthen customer trust and improve public understanding of how mobile data is consumed.

At a press briefing in Lagos, MTN announced the launch of “Data on Trial,” a public engagement platform that will allow Nigerians to independently examine the company’s data billing system, network operations and data consumption processes.

Speaking at the event, MTN’s Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer, Tobe Okigbo, said the initiative was designed to determine whether concerns raised by customers stem from technical issues, misconceptions about data usage or a need for greater digital awareness.

According to him, the company is opening its systems to public scrutiny because trust remains critical in the telecommunications industry.

“We want Nigerians to tell us what is wrong, ask questions and help us identify issues so that we can collectively find solutions,” Okigbo said.

He recalled that MTN previously adopted a similar approach when customers complained about unauthorised subscriptions to value-added services. The company responded by suspending the affected services, subjecting its systems to regulatory review and implementing corrective measures that helped restore confidence among subscribers.

As part of the initiative, Nigerians will have the opportunity to nominate and vote for a five-member “prosecution team” made up of consumer advocates, technology experts and digital commentators. The team will challenge MTN’s explanations and present consumer concerns during a live public hearing.

The hearing is expected to follow a courtroom-style format, with both customers and MTN officials presenting evidence, technical demonstrations and real-life experiences relating to data consumption, data depletion complaints and billing records.

To ensure credibility, independent professional services firm KPMG will verify the technical demonstrations and backend systems presented during the proceedings.

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MTN also disclosed that the event will be broadcast live, enabling subscribers across Nigeria to participate, ask questions and seek clarifications on issues affecting their mobile data usage.

Addressing journalists, MTN’s General Manager for Network Quality, Mike Ndukwe, dismissed claims that telecom operators arbitrarily deduct customers’ data allocations.

According to him, data is consumed whenever users stream videos, browse websites, download files or use applications that continue operating in the background.

Ndukwe explained that high-definition video streaming on platforms such as TikTok, YouTube and Instagram consumes significantly more data than standard-definition content.

He further noted that features including autoplay, cloud backups, automatic software updates, hotspot sharing and background application refreshes can increase data usage without users immediately noticing.

“Many customers do not realise that their smartphones continue to consume data even when they are not actively using certain applications,” he said.

The MTN official added that the widespread adoption of 4G and 5G networks has also contributed to higher data usage because faster internet speeds encourage richer digital experiences and larger content downloads.

Ndukwe stressed that MTN Nigeria’s data billing system operates using internationally accepted measurement standards and verified charging mechanisms.

He explained that differences sometimes occur between customer device records and operator records because smartphones, network infrastructure and billing systems measure different stages of data transmission.

According to him, MTN’s billing platforms undergo regular audits by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and independent evaluators to ensure compliance with industry regulations.

He added that the billing technologies deployed by MTN are similar to those used in regulated telecommunications markets around the world.

MTN’s General Manager for Network Services, Asura Mshelia, said delivering reliable telecommunications services depends on the seamless operation of multiple network components.

He explained that user traffic passes through base stations, transmission infrastructure, switching centres and internet gateways before reaching online destinations.

Mshelia identified congestion, power outages, equipment failures, adverse weather conditions and fibre optic cable damage as major factors capable of affecting network performance.

He also described vandalism as one of the biggest challenges facing Nigeria’s telecom sector, revealing that MTN has suffered repeated attacks on critical infrastructure, including theft of generators, batteries and solar-powered equipment.

According to him, fibre cuts caused by road construction activities, accidental damage and deliberate sabotage frequently disrupt telecommunications services and affect thousands of subscribers.

The executive appealed to Nigerians to support efforts to protect telecom infrastructure, warning that attacks on network facilities often result in widespread service interruptions.

The initiative comes at a time when internet usage in Nigeria continues to rise rapidly. Industry figures show that millions of Nigerians now depend on mobile internet services for banking, education, business, entertainment and communication.

With increasing reliance on digital services, concerns over data billing, mobile data consumption and network quality have become more prominent among subscribers.

MTN said the Data on Trial initiative is expected to improve transparency, address customer concerns and enhance public understanding of how mobile data is measured, consumed and charged.

The company expressed confidence that the engagement would help bridge the knowledge gap between increasingly sophisticated telecommunications technologies and consumer expectations.

Updated: MTN Opens Billing System Amid Data Depletion Complaints

Brains, Innovation as Young minds Steal Spotlight at Toyota Show Mobility Challenge

The future of mobility took centre stage at the Toyota Motor Show in Lagos on Wednesday as brilliant young Nigerians showcased their intellect, creativity and passion for innovation in a thrilling debate and quiz competition organised by Toyota Nigeria Limited.

The highlight of the event held at The Podium Lekki was a fiercely contested debate between two teams of young participants who impressed judges and spectators alike with their eloquence, confidence and ability to marshal convincing arguments.

After a closely fought contest, Team A, comprising Robinson Goodness, Esabu Blessing and Igbayisemore Tony, emerged victorious, narrowly defeating Team B made up of Akinware Breakthrough, Yusuf Rahimat and Dawn Ijaware.

The winning team received a cash prize of N600,000, while the runners-up went home with N300,000.

The quiz competition also generated excitement, with six contestants battling through multiple rounds of questions. Three participants were eliminated in the opening stages before the contest narrowed to a gripping final round focused largely on Toyota vehicle models and automotive knowledge.

The audience watched in admiration as the finalists displayed remarkable speed, accuracy and composure in their efforts to outsmart one another.

At the end of the contest, Feyisetan Tolase Emmanuel emerged champion and received N250,000, while Ayorinde Bolarinwa secured second place and was rewarded with N150,000.

Award-winning actor/social advocate, Kate Henshaw, who chaired the panel of judges, praised the contestants for their impressive performances and commitment to learning.

She expressed delight at the confidence, intelligence and creativity displayed by the young people, adding that the future remained bright when knowledge and innovation are encouraged.

Also on the panel was Toyota Nigeria Limited’s Head of Dealer Development and Special Duties, Henry Ojuoko, who said the programme reflected Toyota’s commitment to nurturing future innovators.

According to him, beyond selling vehicles, the TNL wants to inspire curiosity and encourage young Nigerians to explore opportunities in technology, mobility and innovation.

According to the organisers, the second day of the exhibition was deliberately dedicated to students and young professionals as part of efforts to raise awareness about automotive innovation and stimulate youth participation in discussions around the future of transportation.

The day’s activities also featured Somadina Anyama popularly called Soma – TV personality/brand influencer/actor, who joined the panel and Toyota team in the interactive section.

The Toyota Motor Show, which commenced on June 2, is the third edition of the exhibition organised by Toyota Nigeria Limited. The four-day event offers visitors opportunities to explore the company’s latest vehicle models, participate in interactive sessions, enjoy test drives and access free vehicle diagnostic services.

Visitors also experienced Toyota’s latest mobility solutions while test-driving selected models including the Camry, RAV4 and Hilux, among others.

The exhibition will conclude on Saturday with another live recording of Toyota’s PodCARst, featuring social media influencer Ride With Mee, alongside entertainment activities, outdoor games, prizes and additional test-drive sessions.

Toyota Nigeria said the event underscores its commitment to deepening engagement with customers and the wider public through education, innovation and direct interaction with the brand.

NERC Launches Net Billing Scheme, Allows Nigerians to Sell Excess Solar Power to DisCos

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC ) has officially commenced the Net Billing Regulations 2026, a landmark framework that allows electricity consumers with qualifying solar power systems to generate electricity for their own use and sell any surplus energy back to distribution companies. The commission announced the rollout of the framework on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, describing it as a major step towards expanding renewable energy adoption and improving electricity access across the country. Under the new arrangement, eligible electricity consumers — now officially designated as “prosumers” (consumers who both consume and produce power) — can generate electricity primarily through solar photovoltaic systems for their own consumption and export any surplus energy to the distribution network under a net billing arrangement.

According to NERC, the regulations are designed to achieve five core objectives: promote the adoption of renewable energy technologies, enhance energy security and reliability for electricity consumers, encourage private sector participation in distributed generation, support the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, and facilitate efficient integration of renewable energy systems into distribution networks. “The Regulations establish a framework that enables eligible electricity customers (Prosumers) to generate electricity from renewable energy sources, primarily solar photovoltaic systems, for their own consumption and export surplus energy to the distribution network under a Net Billing Arrangement,” the commission stated. The net billing regulations arrive as Nigeria continues to grapple with significant electricity supply challenges. According to recent NERC data, average available generation stood at just 4,286 megawatts in April 2026 out of a total installed capacity of 13,625 megawatts across 28 grid-connected plants — meaning generation companies operated at only 31 per cent of installed capacity. The country also experienced its first national grid collapse of 2026 on January 23, when total generation fell to 0.00 megawatts, plunging large parts of the country into darkness. The gap between supply and demand — estimated national demand stands at about 20,000 megawatts — has forced millions of households and businesses to rely heavily on petrol and diesel generators.

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To participate in the net billing scheme, applicants must meet several eligibility conditions established by the commission. Prospective prosumers must already be connected to a distribution company’s network and install renewable energy systems that comply with applicable technical and regulatory standards. They must also obtain approval from the relevant DisCo, execute a net billing agreement, and register with NERC. The commission specified that eligible renewable energy installations must have a minimum installed capacity of 50 kilowatt peak (kWp) and a maximum capacity of 1.5 megawatt peak (MWp). This capacity threshold indicates that the scheme is targeted primarily at medium-to-large scale consumers — including commercial and industrial customers, factories, shopping complexes, office campuses, hospitals, and telecommunications facilities — rather than small residential customers with modest rooftop solar installations. Industry observers note that the 1.5-megawatt upper limit suggests NERC intends to stress-test the framework with a defined initial cohort before potentially expanding eligibility in the future.

NERC has outlined a clear procedural framework for interested customers seeking to participate in the net billing arrangement. Interested customers are required to apply to their respective distribution companies for a technical feasibility assessment. Upon receiving a complete application, the distribution licensee must conduct a technical feasibility study and issue a report. Where an application is approved, both parties must execute a Net Billing Agreement. Following the execution of the agreement, applicants must register with NERC in accordance with the provisions of the regulations before they can commence electricity export to the grid. “Interested customers are required to apply to their Distribution Licensee for a technical feasibility assessment,” the commission stated. “Upon approval and execution of a Net Billing Agreement, the applicant shall register with NERC in accordance with the provisions of the Regulations.”

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Approved participants will receive bidirectional net metering facilities capable of separately measuring electricity imported from the distribution network and electricity exported to it. This metering infrastructure is essential for accurately tracking both the power consumed from the grid and the surplus solar energy supplied back. The regulations mandate that distribution companies install revenue-grade import/export meters with time-of-use capability to ensure accurate measurement and billing. The commission disclosed that electricity exported to the grid will attract credits based on an export tariff approved by NERC, creating a financial incentive for consumers investing in solar energy systems. Monthly electricity bills issued to participating customers will indicate imported energy, exported energy, applicable tariffs, export credits, and the net amount payable for the billing period. A significant feature of the framework allows unused export credits to be carried forward to subsequent billing cycles, enabling customers to offset future electricity costs with accumulated credits from excess renewable energy supplied to the grid. The initiative is expected to boost distributed renewable energy generation while helping consumers reduce electricity costs and improve power reliability. For many large-scale organisations, solar installations often generate excess electricity during peak sunshine hours, especially on weekends or during periods of reduced operational activity. The new framework allows such surplus generation to be utilised productively rather than wasted.

The Net Billing Regulations 2026 complement other recent NERC initiatives aimed at improving electricity access across Nigeria. In April 2026, the commission issued the Mini-Grid Regulations 2026, which raised capacity thresholds for mini-grids to 5 megawatts for isolated systems and 10 megawatts for interconnected systems, providing a comprehensive framework for the development, operation, and oversight of mini-grids, with a focus on attracting investment and ensuring consumer protection in underserved and unserved communities. Industry groups representing renewable energy developers had lobbied for clearer rules governing grid-tied solar for commercial customers for several years, arguing that regulatory ambiguity was suppressing investment even among companies willing to commit capital. Together, these regulatory reforms represent a concerted effort to decentralise electricity generation, attract private capital into distributed energy projects, and accelerate Nigeria’s transition toward a more sustainable and reliable power sector.

NERC advised stakeholders and interested participants seeking additional information on the programme to consult the Net Billing Regulations 2026, which are available on the commission’s official website. The commission urged interested customers to begin the process by applying to their distribution company for a technical feasibility assessment. Once approved, participants must execute a Net Billing Agreement and register with NERC before they can begin exporting power. The launch of the Net Billing Regulation marks a significant shift in Nigeria’s electricity landscape, opening the door for businesses, industries, and larger households to become active participants in the country’s energy supply rather than passive consumers — and to be compensated accordingly.

NERC Launches Net Billing Scheme, Allows Nigerians to Sell Excess Solar Power to DisCos