By Modupe Gbadeyanka
On Tuesday, April 14, 2026, customers of Airtel Nigeria felt more involved and loved when the telecommunications company gathered them together at the Lagos Travel Inn Hotel in Ikeja to discuss some of their concerns, especially around data usage, transparency and their experience with its services.
It was the first-ever Customer Forum of Airtel Nigeria in Lagos, where regulators, high-volume data subscribers, 5G customers, and other key stakeholders learned ways to tackle the issue of data depletion.
The event, themed Understanding Your Data: How to Take Control, also highlighted Airtel Nigeria’s ongoing investments in customer experience, including enhanced digital tools, clearer usage dashboards, and expanded retail and support networks aimed at improving transparency and accessibility.
“This is our very first customer forum, and it is more than an event. It is a bold statement that in today’s digital economy, the most important voice is the informed customer,” the Director of Marketing at Airtel Nigeria, Mr Ismail Adeshina, said.
He emphasised that while data has become central to everyday life, from business transactions to education and healthcare, concerns around data value and consumption remain valid and must be addressed transparently.
“Data is no longer a luxury; it is a necessity as essential as electricity and water. However, as usage grows, customers are asking an important question: “Am I truly getting value for the data I purchase? This is not just a technical issue; it is a matter of trust,” Mr Adeshina added.
He further explained that evolving usage patterns, including high-definition video streaming, cloud-based applications, and background app activity, have significantly increased data consumption compared to previous years. According to him, the forum was designed as both a listening platform and an educational session to help customers better understand how their data is used.
“We are here to listen, to explain clearly, and to provide evidence. When customers understand how their data is consumed, it shifts the experience from uncertainty to control and from frustration to confidence,” he further disclosed.
On her part, the Director of Customer Affairs Bureau at the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Ms Freda Ruth Bruce-Bennett, reaffirmed the regulator’s commitment to protecting consumer interests and ensuring service quality across the industry, noting that data consumption has become deeply integrated into daily life, making any perceived loss of data a significant concern for users.
“We understand that data is central to how people live and work today, which is why concerns around data depletion are taken seriously. The NCC has put mechanisms in place to ensure that consumers receive the quality of service they deserve and that their voices are heard,” she said.
Ms Bruce-Bennett encouraged customers to take advantage of the NCC’s consumer portal, which provides guidance on data management and a platform for lodging complaints.
“There is an A to Z of data management tips available on the NCC portal, and we encourage consumers to use it. We also continue to work closely with operators like Airtel to ensure that complaints are addressed promptly and transparently,” she added.
On customer engagement and service delivery, the Customer Experience Director at Airtel Nigeria, Mr Oladokun Oye, highlighted the company’s multi-channel approach to supporting customers across the country.
“At Airtel Nigeria, customer experience is not just a function; it is embedded across everything we do. From our network design to how we communicate and resolve issues, the customer remains at the centre,” he said.
He noted that Airtel maintains one of the most extensive customer touchpoint networks in Nigeria, including over 1,000 exclusive shops, a dedicated contact centre accessible via 300, and multiple digital platforms such as the MyAirtel App, web channels, and AI-powered chatbots.
“These channels are designed to provide not just service, but clarity and understanding. We are also continuously improving our digital platforms to ensure customers can track and manage their usage in real time,” Oye added.
He further advised customers to engage only with authorised Airtel outlets to ensure service quality and protect personal information.
The Airtel Customer Forum forms part of a broader industry effort, in collaboration with the NCC, to promote data awareness, transparency in billing, and improved customer education.
By creating a platform for open dialogue, Airtel Nigeria is reinforcing its shift from a transactional relationship with customers to a more collaborative and informed partnership.
The company noted that insights from the forum will inform future improvements in service delivery, customer communication, and digital tools, as it continues to support Nigeria’s journey towards a more inclusive and transparent digital economy.
