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It was a first-of-its-kind public engagement platform designed to address consumer concerns about mobile data usage, billing transparency, and digital consumption, as MTN Nigeria held its Data on Trial on Saturday, June 6, 2026.

The event brought together consumers, media professionals, content creators, technology experts, and independent auditors for an open examination of how data is measured, consumed, and billed across MTN’s network.

Opening the session, Karl Olutokun Toriola, the Chief Executive Officer of MTN Nigeria,  Toriola, underscored the growing importance of data in today’s digital economy and the importance of trust and greater understanding of how modern technologies drive data consumption.

“Data on Trial was created based on a simple belief. Trust, with our customer, grows when they are given access to the information and they are allowed to make up their mind about it.

“Today’s event is an opportunity for everyone to understand the facts, understand the technology behind what delivers technology in real time. And to ask the most difficult questions and hear different perspectives. This is important because the economy is more digitally driven.

“Data is very important today, and as technology evolves, the quantity of data consumed also evolves,” he continued.

“The applications we use, the quality of content we consume, and the increasing number of connected devices all contribute to higher data usage. It is therefore important that consumers understand what drives their data consumption and how it is measured.”

Throughout the event, MTN’s technical experts responded to questions frequently raised by consumers, including concerns around data depletion, billing accuracy, background application activity, automatic updates, cloud synchronisation, video streaming, and multi-device connectivity.

To provide independent assurance on the integrity of its billing systems, KPMG conducted an independent verification of its Data Usage Portal. The review assessed whether customer billing accurately reflected actual data consumption and covered records from April 1, 2026, to date.

Presenting the findings, Collins Onah, representing KPMG, disclosed that the firm’s analysis found a complete alignment between data usage records and customer billing information.
“Our analysis captures perfect alignment with what is on the Data Usage Portal and what is charged to customers,” Onah stated.

He explained that KPMG’s review examined the processes used to capture customer data consumption and reconcile those records with the corresponding charges applied to subscriber accounts.

“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 findings formed a key part of the day’s proceedings, providing participants with an independently verified assessment of MTN’s data billing processes and reinforcing the company’s commitment to transparency.

The event also featured contributions from consumer advocates, creators, media professionals, and technology stakeholders, who engaged directly with MTN’s experts on issues affecting data consumption and digital experiences.
By opening its systems, processes, and explanations to public scrutiny, MTN Nigeria said it hopes to deepen consumer understanding, strengthen trust, and promote greater digital literacy as data continues to play a central role in everyday life.