Nigeria’s internet usage drops amid record telecom GDP, 5G growth
Telecommunications towers on blue sky, a red and white, the other white, antennas for television, radio, and mobile phones.
For the first time since February 2024, Nigeria’s internet data consumption has experienced a dip, totaling 850,249.09 terabytes in September 2024, marking a slight 0.82 per cent drop from the 853,954.05 terabytes recorded in August.
This decline, captured in the Nigerian Communications Commission’s (NCC) latest report, points to shifting data usage patterns in a period of fluctuating monthly internet consumption.
While the dip in September contrasts with the steady monthly growth seen since early 2024, the broader trajectory underscores an overall rise in digital connectivity.
According to the NCC, monthly data usage patterns in February stood at 694,804.54TB, it increases in March to 753,388.77TB, 766,708.12 TB in April, and 771,993.56 TB, 798,583.81 TB, 829,584.47 TB, 853,954. 05 TB in May, June, July and August but decreases to 850, 249.09 TB in September 2024.
With MTN leading the market in active subscriptions—78.1 million subscribers or 50.5 per cent of the user base—followed by Airtel’s 34.76 per cent, the distribution across providers remains robust.
MTN’s strong lead is trailed by Globacom and 9mobile with 19.2 million and 3.6 million subscribers, respectively, reinforcing the telecom sector’s essential role in Nigeria’s economic framework.
The sector’s impact on Nigeria’s economy is increasingly significant.
In the second quarter of 2024, telecoms contributed 16.36 per cent to the nation’s GDP, up from 14.58 per cent in the first quarter, a quarterly growth rate of 12.19 per cent.
On a year-over-year basis, this growth is even more pronounced, rising from 16.06 per cent in the second quarter of 2023.
This upward trend reflects both the resilience of the sector and its critical role in supporting Nigeria’s broader economy, with telecom infrastructure expanding digital access and fostering productivity across industries.
Dr. Johnson Ola, a digital economy analyst, notes, “The telecom sector’s GDP contribution is a testament to its vital role in connecting businesses and individuals, driving productivity. Continued infrastructure investments, particularly in rural and underserved areas, will amplify this impact.”
Several elements have contributed to the telecom sector’s expanding footprint. Mobile and internet penetration continue to rise, while infrastructure investments—such as network expansions and 5G rollouts—have strengthened connectivity.
As of September 2024, Nigeria’s 5G adoption stands at 2.19 per cent, up from 2.12 per cent in August and 1.95 per cent in July, suggesting steady uptake as 5G promises faster speeds and improved connectivity.
Despite these gains, significant gaps remain. The GSMA reported that 120 million Nigerians lacked access to mobile internet as of 2023. This figure indicates that while many individuals are within mobile broadband coverage, they lack the resources or skills to fully utilize internet services.
Professor Tunde Adebayo, a telecom policy expert, explains, “The affordability gap is a critical barrier in Nigeria. As long as these economic challenges persist, millions will remain digitally disconnected, hindering the nation’s full participation in the global digital economy.”
