For the past few days, a shocking revelation by a Lagos-based National Youth Service Corps member, Ushie Uguamaye has been making waves on social media. The corper, frustrated by the high cost of living in Nigeria, revealed that she spends ₦20,000 every week on mobile data, despite earning only ₦33,000 per month as her NYSC allowance. Her plight has sparked conversations about the rising cost of internet access in Nigeria and how it affects youths, job seekers, and students.
The True Cost of Staying Online in Nigeria
In Nigeria, mobile data is not just a luxury; it is a necessity. Whether for work, education, entertainment, or keeping up with social trends, staying connected has become a daily requirement. However, with high internet costs, many Nigerians find themselves forced to choose between basic necessities and staying online.
This viral case is not unique—many young Nigerians, especially corps members, spend a large chunk of their stipends on mobile data, leaving little for food, transportation, or savings. https://gwg.ng/2025/03/16/nysc-under-pressure-over-corps-member-who-called-tinubu-terrible-president/
So, what can be done? While we advocate for more affordable internet from service providers and government intervention, here are six practical ways to reduce data consumption and cut down costs.
How to Manage Mobile Data Usage & Save Money
1. Check Your Data Plan
Before spending heavily on data, review your network provider’s data plans. Some networks offer better deals than others, and sometimes, night plans or campus plans can be more affordable. Compare plans and switch to the best option for your needs.
2. Monitor Your Data Usage
Many people lose data without knowing where it goes. Use your phone’s data tracker or your network provider’s app to see which apps consume the most data. Set limits or alerts to avoid unexpected data depletion.
3. Use Wi-Fi Whenever Possible
To save data, connect to Wi-Fi networks at home, work, or public places like cafes and libraries. However, avoid using unsecured public Wi-Fi for sensitive activities like online banking.
4. Optimize Your Web Browsing
Use data-saving browsers like Google Chrome (Lite Mode), Opera Mini, or Firefox. These browsers compress web pages and reduce the amount of data they consume. You can also disable automatic video playback on social media apps.
5. Use Offline or Cloud Services
Instead of streaming repeatedly, it is more cost effective to download music, podcasts, or videos while on Wi-Fi. Services like YouTube Premium, Spotify, and Netflix allow you to download content for offline use, reducing your data consumption drastically. How to easily back up your data on computer
6. Adjust Your Habits and Preferences
- Lower the quality of streaming videos (e.g., switch from HD to 480p or 360p).
- Disable background data for non-essential apps.
- Turn off automatic app updates and only update when on Wi-Fi.
- Use text-based or compressed versions of websites instead of loading full graphics.
Final Thoughts
The NYSC corper’s lament about spending almost her entire stipend on data is a wake-up call. While data costs in Nigeria remain high, there are ways to manage usage smartly. Until telecom providers and the government address the root issues, corps members and Nigerians at large must learn to maximize their data without breaking the bank.
Are you also struggling with expensive data? Share your experiences and let’s discuss better ways to stay online affordably!
