Nigeria’s appetite for internet data surged sharply in 2025, with national data traffic projected to exceed 13.2 million terabytes (TB) by year-end, representing a 35% increase over 2024 figures, according to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
Data reviewed from the NCC shows that the growth reflects a sustained acceleration in mobile and broadband usage across the country.
The trend has been consistent since the Commission began tracking monthly data consumption in January 2023, pointing to a deepening reliance on digital services by individuals, businesses, and public institutions.
Between January and November 2025 alone, Nigerians consumed about 11.86 million TB of data, an increase of 34.96% from the 8.79 million TB recorded during the same period in 2024.
At the current pace, daily data usage now exceeds 41,000 TB, placing growing pressure on telecom infrastructure nationwide.
Data Consumption Climbs Rapidly Across Networks
National internet traffic across major providers, including MTN Nigeria, Airtel Nigeria, Globacom, T2, and other internet service providers, has risen sharply over the past three years. In 2023, total data usage stood at 7.27 million TB.
That figure climbed to 9.76 million TB in 2024, representing a year-on-year growth of 34.3%. The upward trajectory has intensified further in 2025, with full-year consumption now projected to surpass 13.2 million TB if December follows historical patterns.
According to NCC data, the growth has been broad-based, cutting across urban and semi-urban areas, as mobile internet access continues to expand and fixed broadband adoption gains momentum.
December Emerges As Peak Usage Period
Traffic patterns also reveal strong seasonality. December has consistently emerged as the heaviest month for data consumption, driven by holiday travel, increased video streaming, social media engagement, online shopping, and virtual communication with family and friends.
In December 2024, national data traffic exceeded November levels by more than 94,500 TB.
The same pattern was recorded in 2023, when December usage jumped by nearly 68,000 TB. Month-on-month growth for December averaged between 10% and 11% in both years.
Industry analysts say the trend reflects behavioural shifts as Nigerians increasingly rely on digital platforms for entertainment, commerce, and communication during festive periods.
Broadband Milestone Reached, But Gaps Remain
A major highlight of 2025 was broadband penetration crossing the 50% threshold in November for the first time.
While widely seen as a historic milestone, the figure still falls short of the 70% target outlined in Nigeria’s National Broadband Plan (NBP) 2020–2025.
Analysts note that while access has improved, disparities remain between urban centres and rural communities. High data costs, inconsistent power supply, and limited fibre coverage continue to restrict deeper penetration in some areas.
Still, the expanding footprint of broadband services is increasingly reshaping how Nigerians work, learn, transact, and consume media.
Industry Players Link Growth to Digital Lifestyles
Telecom analysts attribute the surge in data usage to several converging factors. These include the availability of cheaper smartphones, wider mobile internet coverage, rising video content consumption, expanding cloud services, fintech adoption, and the growth of remote work tools.
Speaking on the trend, telecom analyst Osita Odafi said Nigeria’s soaring appetite for internet services has placed the country firmly on course to exceed 13 million TB in annual data consumption.
He noted that streaming platforms, cloud computing, digital payments, and smartphone-driven lifestyles are rapidly redefining everyday life.
Analysts increasingly view data consumption as a proxy for broader economic activity, reflecting how Nigerians communicate, transact, study, and entertain themselves.
Operators Race to Expand Network Capacity
Telecom operators say the figures present both opportunity and urgency. The chief executive officer of Airtel Nigeria, Dinesh Balsingh, said rapid urbanisation is intensifying data demand, particularly in major cities.
“Cities like Lagos are growing at lightning speed, with more people, more businesses, and more devices,” Balsingh said.
“We recognise that data is the new oxygen. That is why we are investing heavily in 5G and fibre to build a smart, scalable network that can carry the weight of Nigeria’s digital future.”
Operators are ramping up investments in 5G deployment, fibre expansion, and network optimisation to keep pace with rising demand.
Regulators Warn of Infrastructure Strain
Despite the gains, regulators acknowledge that infrastructure strain remains visible. The executive vice chairman of the NCC, Dr Aminu Maida, said quality of service still needs improvement.
“Quality of service today is not yet where we want it to be, but it is equally true that we are no longer where we used to be,” Maida said.
He added that operators are being compelled to accelerate investments while improving customer experience.
Policy analysts argue that sustaining growth will depend on faster execution of the planned 90,000-kilometre national fibre rollout under Project BRIDGE.
Other priorities include resolving right-of-way bottlenecks, tackling multiple taxation at sub-national levels, and addressing security challenges that raise operating costs and expose infrastructure to vandalism.
If these constraints are eased, analysts believe Nigeria’s data boom may represent not a peak, but the early phase of a much larger digital transformation.
Rate, Like 👍, Comment 💬, Share this article, Follow us on our social media handles, and Submit your own story to get featured and earn rewards!
WhatsApp Channel
Telegram Channel
