MTN hosts public hearing on data depletion concerns

Growing concerns over rapid data depletion among Nigerian telecommunications subscribers will take centre stage as MTN Nigeria hosts a landmark public hearing tagged “Data on Trial.”

The event, which aims to address increasing consumer complaints regarding data usage and billing practices, is expected to bring together telecommunications experts, regulators, industry stakeholders and millions of subscribers in what organisers describe as an unprecedented exercise in transparency and public accountability.

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), reports that Nigerians consumed more than 1.42 million terabytes of data in March 2026 alone, highlighting the critical role of internet connectivity in daily life while intensifying scrutiny of data consumption patterns.

The hearing comes when reliance on digital services continues to grow across Nigeria.

In a move designed to give consumers a direct voice, MTN has launched a public nomination and voting process for members of the hearing’s “Prosecution Team”. Through interactive polls on major social media platforms, Nigerians will nominate and select five representatives tasked with presenting subscribers’ concerns and challenging industry explanations for data depletion.

Organisers say the process is intended to ensure that those questioning the system are chosen directly by consumers rather than by the telecommunications provider.

Courtroom-Style Hearing to Test Industry Explanations

Representing the opposing side, the Defence Team will comprise senior MTN executives, network engineers and independent device manufacturing specialists. The panel is expected to provide technical explanations and evidence in response to allegations of unexplained data depletion.

Unlike a conventional corporate briefing, the hearing will adopt a courtroom-style format, with defence representatives taking a mock witness stand and responding to questions from consumer-selected prosecutors.

Both sides will be required to present evidence, including network analytics, device telemetry data and testimonies from subscribers who have experienced unusual data usage patterns. Independent verification of the evidence and proceedings will be conducted by KPMG.

Although organisers have not disclosed the venue, citing security and broadcast logistics, the event will be streamed live across multiple digital platforms. Viewers will also be able to participate through live polls, comment sections and interactive virtual jury sessions.

If successful, the hearing will represent one of the first occasions on which a major African telecommunications company has voluntarily subjected its technical systems and operational processes to live public scrutiny.