Nigerians have shattered all previous records for mobile internet usage, consuming a staggering 1.236 million terabytes of data in November 2025, according to the latest statistics from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). This figure represents the highest monthly data volume ever recorded in the country's history.
Sustained Growth Throughout a Challenging Year
The November milestone continues a steady upward trend observed throughout 2025, even in the face of significant economic pressures. Data from the telecoms regulator shows consumption stood at approximately 983,000 terabytes in April, following adjustments to service tariffs. By the middle of the year, usage had decisively crossed the one-million-terabyte threshold.
Monthly records were consistently broken in the subsequent months. Consumption reached 1.044 million terabytes in June, climbed to 1.131 million in July, and hit 1.152 million in August. The NCC reported that data usage grew by an average of 1.8% during the second half of the year. The marginal increase from October's 1.235 million terabytes to November's 1.236 million confirms the sustained rise in digital activity nationwide.
Key Drivers and Market Leaders
This explosive growth is attributed to several interconnected factors. These include a rise in active internet subscriptions, the expansion of 4G network coverage, and surging demand for data-intensive services. Video streaming platforms, social media applications, and digital financial services (fintech) are primary contributors to the increased data usage.
The market is overwhelmingly dominated by two major players. MTN and Airtel, which together control over 85% of Nigeria's mobile market, were responsible for the bulk of the consumption growth. Subscriber data reveals that MTN users consumed an average of about 13 gigabytes per month, while Airtel subscribers averaged close to 10 gigabytes.
Other sector indicators also point to broader digital expansion. Internet subscriptions rose to 144.8 million in November. Broadband penetration increased to 50.58%, equating to 109.7 million high-speed connections, a significant jump from 45.61% recorded in January 2025. Furthermore, active telephone lines increased to 177.4 million, pushing the national teledensity to 81.8%.
Persistent Challenges and Future Outlook
Despite the impressive numbers, the NCC highlighted critical challenges that continue to constrain wider digital inclusion. The adoption of Fifth-Generation (5G) technology remains sluggish, accounting for only 3.6% of total connections. This slow uptake is linked to the high cost of compatible devices and limited spectrum availability.
Infrastructure deficits also pose a significant hurdle. Frequent fibre optic cable cuts and unreliable power supply, especially in rural areas, continue to slow network expansion and service quality. These issues limit the potential for equitable digital growth across the country.
Analysts, however, remain optimistic about Nigeria's digital future, citing its position as Africa's largest mobile market. They argue that with stable tariffs, continued investment from operators, and targeted policies to address infrastructure gaps, data consumption is expected to keep rising into 2026. The NCC's recent partnership with Sweden's Swedfund to develop a secure framework for 5G deployment is seen as a step towards boosting confidence in the digital economy and supporting key sectors like healthcare, education, and transport.
