In September 2024, Nigeria‘s internet usage saw a decline totalling 850,249.09 terabytes, down 0.82% from the previous month’s 853,954.05 terabytes.
This was the first decrease in data consumption since February 2024, due to user behaviour changes that the latest report from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) reveals.
The telecommunications sector has fluctuated in data usage over recent months, having previously increased significantly. In earlier months of 2024, the usage figures for July recorded 829,584.47 terabytes, June saw 798,583.81 terabytes, and May accounted for 771,993.56 terabytes, a consistent upward trend before the recent dip.
Amid this decline in Nigeria’s internet usage, MTN Nigeria remains top in the market, with 78,097,681 active subscribers, which represents 50.50% of the total market share.
Airtel follows with 53,748,688 subscribers, a 34.76% share, while Globacom and 9mobile hold 12.39% and 2.35% of the market, respectively, with subscriber numbers of 19,152,907 and 3,635,160.
The telecommunications sector’s contribution to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the second quarter of 2024 was 16.36%, an increase from 14.58% in the first quarter.
Year-on-year comparisons reveal a rise from 16.06% in Q2 2023, as the industry stays resilient with its essential function in driving economic activities across various sectors.
Increased mobile and internet penetration expanded access to digital platforms, enabling higher participation in the digital economy. Continuous investments in infrastructure, including the expansion of network capabilities and the introduction of advanced technologies such as 5G, have further bolstered this sector.
As of September 2024, 5G adoption in Nigeria has risen to 2.19%, up from 2.12% in August. This steady growth reveals an increasing acceptance of 5G technology, which promises enhanced internet speeds and connectivity options.
However, the digital divide remains a big issue. The GSMA reported that by the end of 2023, approximately 120 million Nigerians lacked access to mobile internet, despite living within coverage areas.
This gap disclosed that while many have the potential for connectivity, actual usage remains low due to various limitations. The high cost of entry-level internet-enabled devices is particularly noteworthy, often consuming a large portion of the average monthly income in low- and medium-income households.
On a global scale, the situation is similar, with 3.45 billion people, or 43% of the world’s population, still lacking access to mobile internet. Affordability and digital literacy continue to hinder mobile internet adoption, especially in developing regions like Nigeria.
Addressing these challenges will ensure equitable access to digital resources for all Nigerians.
