The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) have said it may scrutinize and examine telecom operators’ systems and analyze account records as complaints of unexplained rapid mobile data depletion grow.
Ondaje Ijagwu, the commission’s Director of Corporate Affairs, made the statement noting that the steady stream of consumers reporting sudden data loss without clear reasons is worrying. He said telecom companies must educate customers about billing and investigate complaints, and where issues require deeper scrutiny the FCCPC can request system audits and account records to determine what happened.
Ijagwu stressed the commission relies on evidence and does not assume operators are at fault, noting that while widespread complaints may signal broader problems, individual reports are also important. Some cases of fast data depletion may be caused by background downloads or other device activity, he added, so each complaint must be examined on its merits. He urged consumers to lodge formal grievances rather than only grumble, and said those who cannot secure redress from providers should escalate matters to the commission.
Ijagwu also said the FCCPC has resolved more than 9,000 complaints across about 35 sectors, recovering over N10 billion in refunds and compensation covering telecommunications, banking, electricity and FMCG. Rejecting suggestions that recurring complaints indicate regulatory failure, he said enforcement is not compromised. On pay television, he suggested that greater competition could make it easier for subscribers to pay only for channels they watch.
