Nigeria’s internet data consumption soars 43% on growing digital demand

Internet usage in Nigeria continued its rapid expansion in the first half of 2026, with data consumption rising by 42.9 per cent to about 8.52 million terabytes, according to figures from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

The latest figure, covering January to June 2026, represents a significant increase from the 5.96 million terabytes consumed during the corresponding period in 2025.

The surge underscores the growing dependence of Nigerians on internet services for business, education, banking, entertainment, communication and other daily activities.

The growth in consumption was accompanied by a strong increase in broadband subscriptions.

NCC data showed that broadband subscriptions rose from 115.04 million in January to 123.11 million in June 2026, representing an increase of about 8.07 million subscriptions, or roughly 7 per cent.

Broadband penetration also climbed from 53.07 per cent to 56.79 per cent during the six-month period.

NCC Executive Vice-Chairman, Aminu Maida, has described internet connectivity as increasingly fundamental to economic and social activities, noting that Nigerians now depend on digital access for education, employment, financial services and entrepreneurship.

The rising demand is also translating into stronger revenues for telecommunications companies.