Nigeria achieved a significant digital milestone as cumulative internet consumption surpassed one million terabytes in January 2025, according to data from the Nigerian Communications Commission. This breakthrough highlights the nation’s growing digital transformation since the NCC initiated data usage tracking in 2023.
The monthly consumption figures tell a complex story. January 2025 recorded 27,475 terabytes of data usage, showing a substantial decrease from December 2024’s 94,502 terabytes. To put this in perspective, a single terabyte represents 1,000 gigabytes or one million megabytes of data, measurements familiar to users of streaming services, online gaming platforms, and business applications.
The telecommunications sector witnessed notable developments during this period. Industry leaders MTN Nigeria and Airtel Nigeria implemented a 50% increase in data tariffs, potentially influencing consumer behavior and usage patterns. Despite higher prices, both companies expanded their subscriber bases considerably. MTN Nigeria strengthened its market position by adding 1.4 million new internet users, bringing its total to 73.7 million subscribers. Airtel Nigeria demonstrated similar growth, attracting 1.08 million new customers and reaching 48.4 million subscribers.
The competitive landscape shows varying degrees of success among providers. Globacom’s performance reflects ongoing challenges following a regulatory audit in April 2024 that significantly reduced its customer base. The company managed to attract only 313,939 new users in January 2025. Meanwhile, 9mobile struggled to maintain momentum, reporting no subscriber growth during the same period.
These developments reflect broader changes in Nigeria’s digital ecosystem. The milestone in cumulative data consumption indicates increasing internet adoption across various sectors, from individual users to businesses embracing digital solutions. However, the recent decline in monthly usage suggests possible adjustments in consumer behavior, particularly following the implementation of higher data tariffs by major providers.
The telecommunications industry’s ability to maintain subscriber growth while managing pricing changes demonstrates the essential nature of internet connectivity in modern Nigerian society. As digital services become increasingly integral to daily life, the sector continues to evolve, balancing consumer needs with operational sustainability.
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