Asa Asika, manager of Nigerian music star Davido, has sparked a national conversation over data usage and telecom reliability in Nigeria after revealing he consumed over 250GB of data in just 14 days — a figure he says does not match his actual internet activity. The disclosure, shared on social media platform X, detailed multiple data purchases from April 27 to May 13, including five separate 25GB bundles and one 75GB bundle, despite spending minimal time in Nigeria and frequently using Wi-Fi in his office. Asika also noted that he had traveled to two other countries during this period, further questioning how such high data usage was possible.
In his posts, Asika expressed frustration over what he described as rapid data depletion, even when he was indoors with stable Wi-Fi. He highlighted instances where his data would run out mid-call while stepping outside, despite having just purchased a new bundle. “I haven’t even been in Lagos collectively for 2 weeks this past month and I’ve bought 10GB like 8 times already… I’m in the office with WiFi. Multiple times I’ve stepped outside on a call only for it to disconnect because my data finished again. Make it make sense!” he wrote. His account of frequent data purchases and unexpected usage has drawn widespread attention and sympathy from Nigerians facing similar challenges.
The issue quickly became a trending topic online, with users voicing their own frustrations with Nigerian telecom networks. Many pointed fingers at MTN Nigeria, with comments like “MTN… The most useless network provider in Nigeria” and “Na only MTN fit makes you run mad while being healthy.” Others echoed broader concerns about data pricing and network efficiency, with one user stating, “Data now na for the rich,” highlighting the growing financial burden of internet access. Some also questioned whether corporate complaints receive more visibility than those from ordinary subscribers, noting, “When a poor man cries out, you ignore them. Now a rich man has cried out, what should we do about it?”
While some speculated that background app activity or streaming could explain the usage, others blamed network-side inefficiencies. One user joked, “You’ll off your data, sleep with peace of mind, wake up and somehow 3GB has joined the ancestors.” Another added, “At this point, data in Nigeria expires emotionally before it finishes technically 😭.” These sentiments reflect a deep-seated frustration with data billing transparency and network reliability across Nigeria’s telecom landscape.
As the debate continues, Asika’s experience has reignited calls for greater accountability and clarity from telecom providers. His case may prompt further scrutiny of data consumption tracking and billing practices, especially as internet access becomes increasingly essential for work, education, and daily life. The situation underscores the need for more reliable and transparent networks, not just for high-profile users, but for all Nigerians.
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