Between December 2023 and the same period in 2024, Nigerians consumed a staggering 973,445 terabytes of data, despite a sharp decline in the number of internet users. This surge in data usage, driven by a population of 139.2 million internet users, demonstrates the growing reliance on digital technology and mobile communication in the country. Mobile network operators are seeing substantial benefits from this increase, as the demand for data continues to rise.
However, the number of internet users dropped significantly during this period, from 163.8 million in December 2023 to 139.2 million in December 2024, marking a loss of nearly 25 million users. This decline has been attributed to a mix of factors, including the enforcement of the SIM-NIN linkage regulations and corrections by telecom operators. Additionally, active phone connections also saw a sharp fall, from 224.7 million to 164.9 million, leading to a decline in teledensity.
Despite fewer users, data consumption surged by 36%, rising from 713,200 terabytes to 973,445 terabytes. This increase in data usage signals that those who remain connected are engaging more deeply in data-intensive activities such as streaming, gaming, and remote work. The growing preference for faster internet speeds is evident in the shift from 2G to 4G technology, which now accounts for 42.7% of internet users. Meanwhile, 5G adoption, though still small at 2.3%, is showing potential for growth.
This surge in data usage is being celebrated, but it comes with underlying challenges. Industry experts are concerned that Nigeria’s ambitious digital goals, including achieving 70% broadband penetration by the end of 2025, may be jeopardized if the decline in internet users continues. With current broadband penetration at just 44.43%, the target is becoming increasingly difficult to reach.
The data also highlights the struggles faced by smaller telecom operators. For instance, 9mobile’s market share has dropped drastically from 15.7% in 2015 to just 1.99% today, underscoring the difficulties smaller players face in a competitive market.
As Nigeria continues its push for digital transformation, experts stress the need for a more comprehensive understanding of the factors contributing to the decline in users. Policymakers, businesses, and telecom providers must work together to address these challenges and ensure that digital experiences continue to improve, enabling the country to thrive in the evolving digital landscape.
