…as MTN sets June 6 hearing on nationwide depletion concerns

By Adeola Badru

A major national conversation over mobile data consumption and billing practices is set to take centre stage on June 6, 2026, as telecommunications giant MTN Nigeria convenes a public hearing aimed at addressing growing concerns over data depletion among Nigerian consumers.

In a statement made available to Vanguard on Thursday, the hearing, tagged, “Data on Trial,” came amid mounting public scrutiny of how mobile data is measured, consumed and billed across the country, with millions of Nigerians increasingly dependent on digital services for communication, business, education and entertainment.

According to data from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Nigerians consumed more than 1.42 million terabytes of data in March 2026 alone, underscoring the critical role of internet connectivity in daily life while intensifying concerns among subscribers over the rapid depletion of purchased data bundles.

In response to widespread complaints from consumers, MTN Nigeria has announced what organisers described as an unprecedented public hearing that will place mobile data usage and billing practices under intense public examination.

In a move designed to give consumers a direct voice in the proceedings, Nigerians will, from later this week, be allowed to nominate and vote for members of a public ‘Prosecution Team’ through interactive digital polls on major social media platforms.

The five individuals who secure the highest number of votes will represent consumer interests and present grievances raised by subscribers regarding data depletion and billing concerns.

According to the organisers, the process is intended to ensure that those challenging the system are selected directly by Nigerians rather than appointed by the telecommunications company.

The hearing will also feature a high-powered Defence Team comprising MTN executive leaders, senior network engineers and external device manufacturing specialists.

MTN said unlike a conventional corporate media briefing, members of the defence team are expected to take part in a mock trial format, during which they will face rigorous questioning from the publicly selected prosecutors.

Both sides will be required to present evidence in support of their positions, including live device telemetry data and eyewitness testimony.

The statement noted that the proceedings will feature contributions from customers who claim to have experienced unexplained data depletion, as well as backend network analysts expected to provide technical insights into how data is measured and consumed.

Organisers said all evidence and submissions presented during the hearing will be independently verified by KPMG.

“The event will take place at an undisclosed venue,“ a decision organisers attributed to security considerations and broadcast logistics.

“To ensure public access and transparency, the hearing will be streamed live across multiple digital platforms, enabling millions of Nigerians to follow proceedings in real time.“

“Viewers will also be able to participate through live polls, comment streams and interactive virtual jury sessions designed to capture public opinion throughout the hearing.“

Organisers described the initiative as a landmark development for the telecommunications sector, noting that it would mark the first time a major telecommunications provider in Africa has voluntarily subjected its technical systems and operational processes to live, unedited public scrutiny.

“The outcome of the hearing is expected to attract significant attention from consumers, industry stakeholders and regulators as debate continues over data usage, billing transparency and consumer protection in Nigeria’s rapidly expanding digital economy,“ the statement added.