Data Consumption Soars in Nigeria Despite Economic Struggles
Despite economic challenges and a decline in internet users, data consumption in Nigeria has surged by 36% in just one year, highlighting the nation’s growing reliance on digital technology.
Between December 2023 and December 2024, Nigerians used a staggering 973,445 terabytes of data, up from 713,200 terabytes the previous year. This increase has boosted the revenues of mobile network operators, even as rising operational costs put pressure on the industry.
According to data from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the number of internet users dropped from 163.8 million to 139.2 million within the same period, a loss of nearly 25 million users. This decline is linked to rising data costs, economic hardship, and the enforcement of SIM-NIN linkage regulations. The impact is also seen in the sharp fall of active phone connections, which plunged from 224.7 million to 164.9 million, reducing Nigeria’s teledensity.
Interestingly, while the number of internet users declined, those still connected consumed significantly more data. The shift is largely driven by increasing engagement in streaming, gaming, and remote work, as well as the rising adoption of faster internet technologies.
For the first time, 4G users (42.7%) have surpassed 2G users, reflecting a growing demand for high-speed internet. Meanwhile, 5G adoption, though still low at 2.3%, is steadily gaining traction.
While the rise in data consumption is a positive trend, know that the sharp decline in internet users could hinder Nigeria’s digital growth. The country aims to achieve 70% broadband penetration by 2025, but with the current rate at just 44.43%, reaching this goal is becoming increasingly difficult.
Experts fear that without affordable data and broader internet access, some of Nigeria’s ambitious digital initiatives could struggle to gain momentum. If the trend continues, millions may be left out of the digital economy, slowing down innovation and economic opportunities in the country.