Nigerians consumed an estimated N6.6 trillion worth of internet data between June 2025 and May 2026, according to an analysis of Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) figures. The total volume reached approximately 15.32 billion gigabytes (GB), underscoring the rapid expansion of digital activity across the country.
The estimate applies an average data value of N431 per gigabyte to the NCC's usage statistics. However, this benchmark is not an official industry-wide retail price. Actual prices vary by network provider, technology, subscription plan, promotional offers, and validity period. Before the 50 per cent tariff adjustment approved in January 2025 and implemented from February, the average regulated price of 1GB was about N287.50. The benchmark later increased to N431.25, with retail prices often ranging from N475 to N637.50 depending on the operator and package.
Nigerians Consume 15.32 Billion GB of Data
The NCC data covers not only major mobile networks like Airtel, MTN, T2, and Globacom but also internet traffic from other licensed service providers, fixed wired networks, internet service providers, and Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services. The 12-month consumption figure translates to roughly 15.32 million terabytes (TB) or 15.32 billion GB, valued at about N6.6 trillion using the N431 benchmark.
Monthly usage climbed steadily throughout the period, despite occasional dips. From about 1.04 million TB in June 2025, consumption rose to 1.13 million TB in July and 1.15 million TB in August. It remained stable in September before crossing 1.2 million TB in October and November. Usage then jumped to approximately 1.39 million TB in December, held around that level in January 2026, and fell to about 1.26 million TB in February before rebounding to 1.42 million TB in March and 1.41 million TB in April.
Data Consumption Hits Record High
By May 2026, monthly consumption reached a record 1.50 million TB, a rise of roughly 44 per cent from the June 2025 level. This sustained growth reflects increasing dependence on internet-enabled services, including social media, streaming, digital payments, online commerce, remote work, and other technology-driven activities.
The surge in data usage is also translating into stronger earnings for telecom operators. MTN Nigeria, the country's largest mobile network operator, reported data revenue of N1.699 trillion for the first half of 2026, a 38.3 per cent increase from the N1.229 trillion recorded in the same period of 2025, according to its financial results.
MTN Data Revenue Rises 38%
However, the growth in internet traffic creates significant pressure on network operators. As customers consume more data, telecom companies must continually expand capacity and invest in infrastructure such as spectrum, fibre-optic networks, transmission infrastructure, base stations, and data centres. Operators also face rising energy, maintenance, and other operating costs associated with keeping their networks running.
The growing value of Nigeria's internet consumption highlights both sides of the digital economy: expanding demand creates significant revenue opportunities, while the infrastructure required to sustain that growth is becoming increasingly expensive.
