Why Nigerians’ Data Finishes So Fast: MTN Reveals the Hidden Data Drains

MTN Nigeria has explained why many subscribers complain that their mobile data bundles run out quickly, pointing to video streaming, background applications, automatic downloads and cloud backups as some of the major causes of high data consumption.

The explanation was offered during a forum tagged Data on Trial in Abuja on Monday, October 26, 2026, where telecommunications industry representatives and technology experts discussed consumer complaints about data depletion, billing transparency and how mobile data usage is measured.

Mike Ndukwe, MTN Nigeria’s General Manager of Network Performance, said subscribers could consume significant amounts of data without realising it because many smartphone applications continue to refresh content, download files or stream videos in the background.

He identified platforms such as TikTok, YouTube and Instagram as potential data drains, particularly when videos play automatically or stream in high definition. WhatsApp can also consume substantial data when media files download automatically or when chats and photos are backed up over mobile networks.

According to Ndukwe, a 15-second TikTok video could consume between two and 20 megabytes, depending on its quality. Repeatedly scrolling through short videos can therefore use up a data bundle faster than subscribers expect, especially when applications preload content before users choose to watch it.

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Other common causes of rapid data depletion include automatic software updates, cloud services such as Google Photos and iCloud uploading pictures and videos, and applications refreshing content even when they are not actively being used.

Hotspot sharing can also accelerate data consumption. When subscribers share their phone’s internet connection with laptops or other devices, downloads, streaming and software updates on those devices may consume the available bundle without the phone owner immediately noticing.

David Ogunsola, MTN Nigeria’s General Manager of IT Operations, said differences could occur between the data usage displayed on smartphones and the volume recorded by the network. He attributed such variations to differences in measurement methods, background traffic and the timing of data sessions. He said discrepancies could range from about two per cent to 12 per cent in some circumstances.

MTN Nigeria Chief Executive Officer Karl Toriola also highlighted the high cost of operating telecommunications infrastructure, including expenses associated with powering and maintaining network sites.

The company said it was intensifying consumer education to help subscribers understand how their devices consume data. However, the explanation comes amid persistent complaints from Nigerians who say their bundles disappear faster than expected and want greater transparency in data billing.

Subscribers can take practical steps to reduce consumption. On Android phones and iPhones, users can check which applications consume the most data and restrict background activity for apps that are not essential. Reducing video streaming quality, disabling automatic media downloads and setting cloud backups and app updates to Wi-Fi only can also help.

Users should also turn off mobile hotspots when they are not needed and review their data usage regularly rather than waiting until a bundle is almost exhausted.

MTN subscribers can monitor their available bundles through the MyMTN NG app or by dialling 3234#. Customers who suspect unusual deductions should check their usage records and contact the network’s customer service for clarification.

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has also advised consumers to contact their service providers when they have concerns about data consumption or billing. Unresolved complaints can be escalated to the regulator.

While MTN maintains that ordinary smartphone activities account for much of the rapid data depletion, subscribers’ concerns about accurate billing remain important. Comparing phone-level usage with network records can help determine whether consumption reflects actual device activity or whether a complaint requires further investigation.