Rising broadband access, streaming, and online services fuel steady growth in digital activity
Nigeria’s internet data consumption climbed to an all-time high of 1.24 million terabytes in November 2025, according to the latest statistics released by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
The figure represents a slight increase from 1.235 million terabytes recorded in October, signalling continued growth in online activity across the country.
Industry analysts attribute the sustained rise to expanding mobile and broadband adoption, as well as increasing demand for video streaming, online education, digital payments, and remote work services. The trend highlights how internet connectivity has become essential for both economic activity and everyday life, reinforcing Nigeria’s gradual transition toward a digital-driven economy.
Data from the telecoms regulator also show that broadband penetration rose to 50.58 per cent in November, up from 45.61 per cent in January 2025. While the improvement marks a significant milestone, it still falls short of the 70 per cent coverage target set under the National Broadband Plan (NBP) 2020–2025, which expires this month.
By November, Nigeria recorded approximately 109 million broadband subscriptions, reflecting continued but uneven growth. The expansion has been constrained by persistent infrastructure and regulatory challenges, including frequent vandalism of fibre-optic cables, which industry operators say leads to between 30 and 43 network disruptions daily.
Other obstacles cited include high right-of-way charges, deployment bottlenecks, and a dip in subscriber numbers earlier in the year.
Despite these setbacks, the rollout of mobile networks, particularly 3G and 4G services alongside limited 5G deployments in major urban centres, has helped drive broadband uptake. The availability of more affordable smartphones, competitive data pricing, and increased private-sector investment have also supported growth.
In addition, ongoing development of the National Communications Backbone and other infrastructure projects has improved connectivity in previously underserved communities.
While Nigeria continues to make incremental progress in digital inclusion, analysts note that meeting the original broadband plan targets remains difficult due to high infrastructure costs, coverage gaps, and deployment constraints.
The NCC, however, remains optimistic, stating that sustained investment in mobile networks and broadband infrastructure will help maintain gradual expansion and support the long-term growth of Nigeria’s digital economy.
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