Internet Subscriptions Hit 142.16 Million as Average Data Usage Rises to 7.04GB per User
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Feb 25 (Naija247news) – Nigeria’s internet usage soared by 93.35% to an all-time high of 1,000,930.6 terabytes (1 million terabytes) in January 2025, up from 517,670.15 TB in January 2023, according to new data from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). The surge was driven by increased smartphone penetration and the expansion of 3G, 4G, and 5G networks.
During the period under review, connections on 3G, 4G, and 5G networks grew to 98.67 million, compared to 91.99 million in January 2023. However, the total number of mobile connections declined to 169.04 million from 220.93 million, following an NCC audit in 2024 that wiped out over 40 million inactive connections.
Smartphone Adoption Fuels Data Consumption
In January 2025, Nigeria recorded 142.16 million internet subscriptions, with an average data usage of 7.04GB per customer, reflecting an increase in digital services, streaming, and social media consumption.
“Smartphones have become the computer for many Nigerians today,” said Adia Sowho, former Chief Marketing Officer of MTN Nigeria.
Leading telecom operators have also reported rising smartphone penetration:
• Airtel Nigeria (Q4 2024 report) – Smartphone penetration rose by 6.4% to 49.5%, with average monthly data usage per customer increasing to 11.2GB, up from 8.8GB.
• MTN Nigeria (H1 2024 report) – Smartphone penetration grew by 55.9%, while 4G network coverage reached 82% of the population.
• GSMA Data (2023) – Smartphone penetration in urban Nigeria stood at 59%, while rural penetration was 26%.
The rise in smartphone adoption is also linked to increased Chinese smartphone imports, especially budget-friendly models from brands like Tecno, Infinix, and Xiaomi.
Nigeria’s Mobile Internet Economy and Affordability Challenges
Nigeria’s internet penetration remains above the regional average, with 29% of the population (58 million people) actively using the internet, according to GSMA. The report also shows that:
• 85% of Nigerian internet users make or receive video calls via mobile internet.
• 75% stream free online videos.
• 54% listen to free music online.
Despite the growth, 120 million Nigerians still lack access to mobile internet, largely due to high smartphone costs and economic challenges. Rising inflation has weakened consumer purchasing power, making entry-level smartphones the preferred choice.
According to the International Trade Center (ITC), Nigerians have spent $3.82 billion on mobile phone imports since 2019, with $2.83 billion (74.09%) coming from China. Transsion Holdings (makers of Tecno and Infinix) has become the fourth-largest phone vendor globally, capturing 15% of the global smartphone market.
“Chinese phones stand out in Nigeria due to affordability, features, and targeted marketing,” said Manish Pravinkumar, senior consultant for Canalys.
Despite economic hardships, industry experts believe Nigeria’s young population and growing digital consumption will continue driving smartphone adoption and internet usage growth.
