Internet data consumption in Nigeria increases by 43% due to growing digital demand

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

The latest figure, which covers the period from January to June 2026, represents a significant increase compared to the 5.96 million terabytes consumed during the corresponding period of 2025.

The increase underlines Nigerians’ growing dependence 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 increased from 115.04 million in January to 123.11 million in June 2026, an increase of about 8.07 million subscriptions, or about 7%.

Broadband penetration also increased from 53.07% to 56.79% in the half-year.

The Executive Vice President of the NCC, Aminu Maida, described internet connectivity as increasingly critical to economic and social activities, stressing that Nigerians now depend on digital access for education, employment, financial services and entrepreneurship.

The growing demand also translates into higher revenues for telecom companies.