The start of a new year usually reveals how technology is shifting in real terms. In Nigeria, January 2026 already provided early signs that this year’s changes are more about everyday use.
What is most important is how technology impacts daily life, whether someone lives in a busy city or a rural community. Nigerians are paying attention to things that make life easier, including faster apps, better data use, smoother payments, and phones that last longer during long power outages.
The first changes people are noticing are the ones that fix common problems. In January alone, users began to see improvements in internet speed, device pricing, and payment reliability.
Most of these changes are linked to policies and investments made in the third quarter of 2025, which are now starting to show results.
One example is Project BRIDGE, an SPV incorporated in late 2025 under the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy.
The project focuses on digital inclusion and infrastructure growth. Its effects are already becoming visible because the goal is to fix everyday digital challenges.
Below are the key areas where Nigerians are feeling the impact first.
1. Faster Internet in Cities, Slower Progress Outside Urban Areas
Internet speed is one of the clearest changes so far, especially in major cities. Fibre expansion has picked up in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Ibadan, supported by broadband projects such as the 90,000km national fibre rollout under Project BRIDGE, which gained momentum in late 2025 with backing from the World Bank and other investors.
Data from the NCC shows that by late 2025, average 4G download speeds reached about 33Mbps. As fibre coverage improves, growth beyond the 18% recorded between 2024 and 2025 is expected.
For users, this means fewer buffering issues, clearer video calls for remote work, and better performance for online gaming.
Outside major cities, the experience is still uneven as many rural and suburban areas still have challenges with network congestion, frequent service disruptions caused by fibre cuts, and heavy dependence on mobile data that slows down during peak hours.
MTN alone reported over 9,000 fibre cuts in 2025. Power supply issues also affect network reliability, as fibre infrastructure depends on stable electricity. This gap shows how uneven infrastructure can limit progress, even when overall speeds improve.
2. Smartphones Are Becoming More Affordable
Smartphones were more reachable in early 2026 than they were a year ago. Prices for 4G and entry-level 5G devices have dropped, driven by stronger competition, better market adoption, and adjustments in global supply chains.
Brands such as Infinix, TECNO, Samsung (particularly the A-series), and Xiaomi now offer entry-level 5G phones, many priced between ₦200,000 and ₦300,000. Budget models also come with better batteries and improved cameras compared to earlier versions.
This makes smartphones easier to access for first-time users, especially students in secondary schools and universities. It also supports wider use of smartphones for learning, work, and small businesses, without forcing people to stretch their budgets.
3. AI Features Become More Useful in Everyday Life
With phones getting cheaper and more capable, software features are also becoming more practical. In early 2026, AI-driven tools are showing up in ways that feel useful rather than experimental.
These include camera improvements, voice assistants, built-in apps, and tools for small businesses, with better support for Nigerian accents and commonly spoken languages.
Features like voice-to-text, receipt scanning, and in-app chat support now understand local speech patterns more accurately, reducing user frustration.
For small business owners and freelancers, tools that automate invoicing on WhatsApp, flag suspicious transactions, or respond to customer issues faster are becoming more common.
Some fintech platforms are also using these systems to speed up credit checks and offer more tailored financial advice. For traders and ride-hailing drivers, this helps with cash flow and planning. The result is technology that supports daily work without requiring advanced technical skills.
4. Payments Are Faster, but Confidence Is Still Key
Digital payments have continued to improve, building on progress made in recent years. Initiatives such as the National Payment Stack and tighter CBN oversight have reduced failed transactions, making instant transfers more dependable for salary payments and everyday trading.
Banking apps, USSD services, and fintech platforms now show better uptime and quicker processing than they did in early 2025.
Still, trust is an issue. Fraud, especially through social engineering and insider abuse, has not disappeared, even though NIBSS data shows internet fraud dropped by over 51% in 2025.
While failed transactions happen less often, customer support is slow in many cases, and public awareness around scams still needs improvement.
5. Power, Data Costs, and Access: The Real Limitations Nigerians Still Face
Despite visible progress, long-standing challenges are still limiting how far technology can go. Power supply is a major issue, disrupting both network infrastructure and personal productivity.
Frequent outages force households and businesses to rely on generators or solar power, increasing costs and interrupting online activities.
Although data usage is growing steadily, even as streaming and app usage grow, affordability remains a concern, especially for lower-income households.
The result is an uneven experience. Urban users with fibre access and relatively stable power enjoy the benefits, while many rural and suburban users deal with outages, high fuel costs, and data plans that strain their budgets.
The changes seen in early 2026 point to bigger shifts ahead. Fibre and 5G expansion is expected to pick up pace by mid-year, bringing faster speeds to more parts of the country and supporting wider use of cloud services and advanced digital tools.
Business adoption of smarter software is also likely to grow, provided infrastructure and regulation keep pace. As the first quarter reveals itself, Nigerians should watch for improved fibre coverage, more useful phone updates, and steadier payment systems.
These gradual improvements are laying the groundwork for a more connected and practical digital economy.
