In May 2026, Nigerians consumed a record-breaking 1.5 million terabytes of data, according to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). This marks a 25% increase from the previous month, signaling a surge in digital activities across the country.
Record Data Usage in May
The NCC's latest industry report reveals that data consumption reached 1.5 million terabytes, up from 1.2 million in April. This growth is attributed to increased streaming of video content, remote work, and online learning.
According to the NCC, the rise in data usage is part of a broader trend of digital adoption. The commission noted that the average monthly data usage per subscriber also increased, reflecting the growing reliance on internet services.
Drivers Behind the Surge
Industry analysts point to the proliferation of affordable smartphones and data plans as key factors. Additionally, the expansion of 4G and 5G networks has improved connectivity, encouraging more usage.
One subscriber, Adewale Ogunleye, commented, "With more people working from home, our data consumption has tripled." This sentiment is echoed across the country, as many Nigerians rely on the internet for daily activities.
Impact on Telecom Operators
The record data usage has positively impacted telecom operators, with increased revenue from data services. MTN Nigeria and Airtel Africa reported higher data revenues in the second quarter.
However, the surge also puts pressure on network infrastructure. Operators are investing in network expansion to maintain quality of service.
Future Outlook
The NCC expects data consumption to continue rising, driven by emerging technologies like IoT and AI. The commission is working with operators to ensure robust infrastructure to meet future demand.
As Nigeria's digital economy grows, this record serves as a testament to the nation's increasing connectivity. With the government's push for digital inclusion, data usage is likely to keep setting new milestones.
