MTN Nigeria Opens Its Data Systems to Public Scrutiny at First-Ever ‘Data on Trial’
Lagos, Nigeria – June 6, 2026
In a bold move to strengthen consumer trust and improve digital literacy, MTN Nigeria has launched Data on Trial, a first-of-its-kind public engagement platform aimed at addressing widespread concerns about mobile data consumption, billing transparency, and data management.
The initiative, held in Lagos on Saturday, brought together consumers, media professionals, content creators, technology experts, consumer advocates, and independent auditors for an open and transparent examination of how data is measured, consumed, and billed across MTN’s network.
Speaking at the event, the Chief Executive Officer of MTN Nigeria, Dr. Karl Olutokun Toriola, said the platform was created to foster greater understanding of the technologies driving modern data usage and to build trust through transparency.
According to him, the company believes customers are better served when they have access to accurate information and the opportunity to independently assess the facts.
“Data on Trial was created based on a simple belief: trust grows when customers are given access to information and allowed to make informed decisions. Today’s event provides an opportunity for everyone to understand the technology behind data delivery, ask difficult questions, and hear different perspectives,” Toriola said.
He noted that as economies become increasingly digital, data has evolved into an essential resource for communication, business, education, and entertainment.
“The applications we use, the quality of content we consume, and the growing number of connected devices all contribute to higher data usage. It is therefore important for consumers to understand what drives their consumption and how it is measured,” he added.
Throughout the session, MTN’s technical specialists addressed a range of consumer concerns, including data depletion, billing accuracy, background application activity, automatic software updates, cloud synchronisation, video streaming, and data usage across multiple connected devices.
A major highlight of the event was the presentation of findings from an independent verification exercise conducted by KPMG on MTN’s Data Usage Portal.
The audit reviewed customer data consumption records and corresponding billing information from April 1, 2026, to date, assessing whether charges applied to subscriber accounts accurately reflected actual usage.
Presenting the findings, Collins Onah, representing KPMG, disclosed that the firm found complete consistency between customer data usage records and the charges reflected on MTN’s billing systems.
“Our analysis showed perfect alignment between the records on the Data Usage Portal and the data charges applied to customers,” Onah stated.
He explained that KPMG’s review examined the processes used to capture customer data consumption and reconcile those records with billing information.
“In conclusion, the Data Usage Portal accurately reflects customer data consumption, and the associated billing is consistent with the usage records captured on the platform,” he said.
The independent verification formed a central part of the day’s proceedings, offering participants an objective assessment of MTN’s data billing processes and reinforcing the company’s commitment to transparency and accountability.
The event also featured interactive sessions where consumer advocates, media practitioners, content creators, and technology stakeholders engaged directly with MTN’s experts on issues affecting digital experiences and data usage patterns.
By opening its systems and processes to public scrutiny, MTN Nigeria said it aims to deepen customer confidence, promote greater digital literacy, and help consumers better understand how data is consumed in an increasingly connected world.
The initiative marks a significant step in the company’s broader efforts to enhance transparency and strengthen relationships with subscribers as data continues to play a central role in everyday life and economic growth.
This version is structured more like a premium business or technology feature suitable for publication in major Nigerian newspapers and online news platforms.