Nigeria’s Internet Consumption Hits Record High
Nigeria has witnessed a massive surge in internet consumption, with data usage skyrocketing by 93.35% in just two years. Nigeria’s internet usage reached an all-time high of 1,000,930.6 terabytes (1,000,930,600 gigabytes) in January 2025, compared to 517,670.15 terabytes in January 2023. This rapid growth has been largely driven by increased smartphone adoption and improved network coverage.
Rise in 3G, 4G, and 5G Connections
The number of 3G, 4G, and 5G connections increased from 91.99 million in January 2023 to 98.67 million in January 2025, further reinforcing the shift toward high-speed mobile internet. However, a significant drop in total mobile connections was recorded due to a regulatory audit in 2024, which led to the disconnection of over 40 million inactive or unverified lines.
Despite this, the smartphone revolution continues to expand digital connectivity, offering millions of Nigerians access to faster and more reliable internet services.
Smartphone Penetration and Data Usage Growth
As of January 2025, Nigeria had 142.16 million internet subscribers, with an average data usage of 7.04GB per customer per month. This surge in data consumption has been fueled by the growing number of smartphone users.
Telecom operators have reported remarkable increases in smartphone penetration:
- Airtel Nigeria saw smartphone penetration rise to 49.5%, with per-user data consumption increasing to 11.2GB per month from 8.8GB.
- MTN Nigeria reported a 55.9% increase in smartphone penetration, along with 82% 4G network coverage.
The widespread use of smartphones is driving greater engagement in digital services such as social media, video streaming, online gaming, and e-commerce.
How Nigerians Use the Internet
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More Nigerians are relying on the internet for various daily activities. Studies show that:
- 85% use mobile internet for video calls.
- 75% watch free online videos.
- 54% stream free music online.
These trends indicate a growing preference for mobile-first digital experiences, making smartphones an essential tool for communication, entertainment, and business.
Affordable Smartphones Fuel Growth
The rise in smartphone adoption has been significantly driven by the availability of affordable Chinese smartphone brands. Budget-friendly brands like Tecno, Infinix, and Xiaomi have dominated the Nigerian market, making smartphones accessible to millions.
Between 2019 and 2025, Nigerians spent a staggering $3.82 billion on mobile phones, with $2.83 billion (74%) of imports coming from China. The popularity of budget smartphones has also propelled Transsion Holdings (makers of Tecno and Infinix) to become the fourth-largest phone vendor in the world, capturing 15% of the global smartphone market.
The Digital Divide: 120 Million Nigerians Still Offline
Despite this impressive growth, 120 million Nigerians still lack access to mobile internet due to affordability issues. The high cost of smartphones and data remains a barrier, particularly for those in rural areas, where smartphone penetration is still significantly lower than in urban centers.
Industry experts have linked these challenges to economic hardship and rising inflation, which have weakened the purchasing power of many Nigerians. However, given Nigeria’s young population and increasing digital dependency, smartphone adoption is expected to continue rising in the coming years.
The Future of Internet and Smartphone Usage in Nigeria
The rapid rise in internet consumption and smartphone penetration in Nigeria is a testament to the country’s digital transformation. With increasing investments in 5G networks, fiber-optic expansion, and affordable smartphone availability, the future of Nigeria’s digital economy looks promising.
Key expectations for the coming years include:
- Faster and more affordable internet access.
- More Nigerians embracing digital services such as fintech, e-learning, and remote work.
- Higher smartphone adoption rates, especially in rural areas.
- Stronger government policies to drive digital inclusion.
Conclusion
Nigeria’s internet landscape is evolving rapidly, with smartphone penetration playing a key role in boosting data consumption. While challenges remain, ongoing investments in digital infrastructure and affordable technology are set to transform Nigeria into one of Africa’s leading digital economies.
With more Nigerians coming online every day, the country is well on its way to becoming a truly connected nation, paving the way for greater innovation, economic growth, and global competitiveness.
