Nigerians surpassed 1m terabytes of internet for the first time

Nigeria’s Data consumption Surges and Then Dips

Nigeria’s internet consumption reached a landmark milestone in January 2025, surpassing 1 million terabytes for the first time since the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) began tracking data usage in January 2023. This surge highlights the country’s growing reliance on digital connectivity and the rising demand for internet services.

However, a notable dip followed this historic achievement. While january 2025 saw a total of 1,000,000+ terabytes of data consumed, this marked a sharp decline from the 94,502 terabytes recorded in December 2024.

Understanding the Trends: Terabytes and Telecom Operators

Terabytes (TB) are used to measure internet consumption, indicating the volume of data transmitted or received over a network.One terabyte is equivalent to 1,000 gigabytes or 1,000,000 megabytes. Telecom providers primarily use this scale to track high data usage, especially among businesses, streamers, and gamers.

This sudden drop in data consumption could signal challenges for major telecom operators like MTN Nigeria and Airtel Nigeria, both of which recently increased data tariffs by 50%. “Higher prices may discourage users from consuming as much data as before,” explains a telecom industry analyst,”Possibly impacting revenue growth for these operators.”

Subscriber Growth Despite Tariff Hikes

Despite the potential impact on data consumption, MTN and Airtel Nigeria have reported significant gains in internet subscribers in January 2025. MTN added 1.4 million new users, bringing its total internet subscriber base to 73.7 million. Airtel followed closely, gaining 1.08 million subscribers to reach 48.4 million.

In contrast, Globacom continues to face difficulties. A regulatory audit in April 2024 led to a significant reduction in its subscriber base. In January 2025, Globacom added onyl 313,939 users. 9mobile, on the other hand, failed to gain any new subscribers during this period.

Looking Ahead: Navigating the Data Landscape

The fluctuating data consumption trends in Nigeria highlight the crucial role pricing strategies and user behavior play in shaping the telecom landscape. As the demand for internet services continues to grow, telecom operators will need to find innovative ways to balance profitability with affordability to ensure widespread access to digital connectivity.

How can Nigeria’s telecom operators balance profitability adn affordability as demand for internet services continues to grow?

Interview wiht Dr. Adeola Adebayo: Exploring Nigeria’s Data Consumption Trends and Telecom Dynamcis

In this exclusive interview, Archyde’s Senior Tech Journalist, Jamiu Abdul, speaks with dr. Adeola Adebayo, a distinguished telecom industry analyst and associate professor at teh University of Lagos. They delve into the recent dramatic peaks and troughs in Nigeria’s data consumption, its impact on major telcos, and the future of digital connectivity in africa’s most populous nation.

Nigeria’s Data Consumption: From Peak to dip

Jamiu Abdul (JA): Dr. adeola, Nigeria’s data consumption reached an unprecedented milestone in January 2025, exceeding 1 million terabytes for the first time. What explains this surge?

Dr. Adeola Adebayo (DAA): The surge in data consumption can be attributed to several factors, Jamiu. Firstly, there’s been a important increase in Internet-enabled devices and smartphone penetration across Nigeria. Secondly, we’ve seen a rise in demand for streaming services, online gaming, and social media platforms. Lastly, the growing use of data-intensive applications in businesses and education has contributed to this increase.

JA: Indeed, but why then the sharp decline in the following month?

DAA: The decrease in data consumption could be linked to the recent 50% tariff hike by major telcos like MTN and Airtel. Higher prices may have discouraged some users from consuming data at the same level. Additionally, there could be seasonal factors at play, as-network usage often fluctuates due to events like festivals and holidays.

data Tariffs and Subscriber Growth: Disparities Among Telcos

JA: Despite the dip in data consumption, both MTN and Airtel added millions of new internet subscribers in January 2025. How do you account for this apparent contradiction?

DAA: the subscriber growth for MTN and Airtel doesn’t directly correlate with data consumption volumes. Telcos are also pursuing low- and mid-income users who may not be heavy data consumers but still contribute to their subscriber bases.Additionally, these telcos have expanded their coverage, notably in rural areas, attracting new users. However, the sustainability of this growth amidst increasing data tariffs remains to be seen.

JA: Meanwhile, Globacom and 9mobile have been facing challenges – the former due to regulatory issues, and the latter with stagnant subscriber growth. How can these telcos turn their fortunes around?

DAA: To rebound, Globacom and 9mobile should focus on innovative pricing strategies, improving network quality, and targeting specific market segments. Regaining consumer trust following regulatory issues, like Globacom, requires a robust PR strategy and concrete actions demonstrating a commitment to compliance and improved service delivery.

Navigating Nigeria’s Data Landscape: Affordability and Accessibility

JA: As demand for internet services continues to grow,how can Nigeria’s telecom operators balance profitability and affordability?

DAA: This is a crucial challenge for telcos. One solution could be offering affordable bundled packages, targeting specific consumer segments, and investing in infrastructure to reduce operational costs. moreover, the government can play a pivotal role by ensuring fair regulatory policies, promoting competition, and facilitating investment in broadband infrastructure.

JA: dr. Adeola, if you could leave our readers with one thought to provoke discussion, what would it be?

DAA: I would encourage our readers to consider the following: “How can we, as a nation, foster a enduring digital ecosystem that ensures widespread access to affordable internet services without compromising the profitability of our telcos?” The future of Nigeria’s digital growth depends on our collective ability to find a balance between these seemingly contradictory objectives.