‘8.51m Terabytes Of Data,’ Nigerian Spend ₦286.15 billion On Data In 6 Months

Nigerians consumed a record 8.51 million terabytes of data in the first half of 2026, highlighting the rapid growth of internet usage and the increasing dependence on digital services across the country.

Data released by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) showed that monthly consumption remained above one million terabytes throughout the six-month period, rising from 1.385 million terabytes in January to 1.532 million terabytes in June.

Specifically, Nigerians consumed 1.260 million terabytes in February, 1.422 million terabytes in March, 1.414 million terabytes in April and 1.504 million terabytes in May.

The latest figures reinforce the sustained expansion of Nigeria’s digital economy, coming after Nigerians consumed more than 13.2 million terabytes of data in 2025, representing a 35 per cent increase over the previous year.

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The surge has been driven by the growing use of smartphones and mobile broadband for business, entertainment, financial transactions, education, communication and other online activities.

Streaming platforms, social media, fintech applications, e-commerce and remote-working tools have particularly contributed to the rising demand for internet connectivity.

The country’s two largest telecommunications operators, MTN Nigeria and Airtel Nigeria, have also reported significant increases in data usage and revenues, further demonstrating the industry’s shift from voice-based services to data-driven growth.

MTN Nigeria reported that its 55.7 million active data subscribers consumed an average of 14.8 gigabytes of data per month during the period, representing a 15.2 per cent year-on-year increase.

The company’s overall data traffic also increased by 25.8 per cent, while its data revenue rose to approximately N1.70 trillion, representing a 38.4 per cent increase compared with the corresponding period of 2025.

Data services now account for more than half of MTN’s total service revenue, surpassing voice revenue, which stood at N993.5 billion during the period.

Airtel Nigeria also recorded strong growth in its data business, reporting about N691 billion in data revenue, further underscoring the growing importance of internet services to telecom operators.

Combined, MTN Nigeria and Airtel Nigeria generated approximately N2.4 trillion from data services in the first half of 2026, consolidating their position at the centre of Nigeria’s digital transformation.

To meet rising demand, MTN invested N620.5 billion in capital expenditure during the period, with a significant focus on expanding 4G coverage, accelerating 5G deployment and strengthening its fibre infrastructure.

Airtel, meanwhile, continued to invest in its network despite challenges arising from fibre cuts and vandalism. The operator is also expanding its 5G network and exploring satellite partnerships to improve connectivity in rural and semi-urban communities.

However, the rapid growth in data consumption has not eliminated concerns over the quality and affordability of telecommunications services.

Many subscribers continue to complain about slow internet speeds, unstable connections, network disruptions and the rising cost of data, reflecting the pressure that increased demand is placing on existing infrastructure.

The NCC has consistently called on telecommunications operators to deepen investments in fibre networks, base stations and spectrum to support the country’s growing digital needs.

Industry analysts believe the transition from voice-led to data-led telecommunications is likely to continue as more Nigerians gain access to smartphones and more economic activities move online.

The continued rollout of 5G technology is also expected to accelerate data consumption while creating opportunities for growth in fintech, e-commerce, health technology, entertainment and other digital sectors.

The 8.51 million terabytes consumed in the first half of 2026 therefore represents more than a telecommunications milestone. It reflects the increasingly central role of internet connectivity in the everyday lives and economic activities of Nigerians.