Nigeria’s digital landscape is undergoing a dramatic transformation, with monthly internet usage skyrocketing to an unprecedented 1,000,930.6 terabytes (TB) in January 2025. This remarkable 93.35 percent surge from January 2023, when usage stood at 517,670.15 TB, underscores the nation’s rapidly expanding appetite for digital connectivity, driven largely by the explosive growth of smartphone ownership.
Data released by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) reveals a corresponding rise in 3G, 4G, and 5G connections, reaching 98.67 million out of a total 169.04 million connections. It’s important to note the apparent drop in overall connections, which is a direct consequence of a rigorous NCC audit in 2024, eliminating over 40 million inactive subscriptions. This cleansing of the database provides a more accurate picture of active users.
“Smartphones have become the computer for many Nigerians today,” as Adia Sowho, former chief marketing officer of MTN Nigeria, aptly stated. This shift is reflected in the average data consumption per user, which reached 7.04 GB in January 2025, from a total 142.16 million internet subscriptions. Airtel Nigeria’s data further illustrates this trend, reporting an average of 11.2 GB per customer in the quarter ending December 2024, up from 8.8 GB.
The proliferation of affordable, feature-rich smartphones, particularly from Chinese brands like Tecno, Infinix, and Xiaomi, has been a key driver. “Chinese phones stand out in the Nigerian market due to their affordability, features, and targeted marketing strategies,” explains Manish Pravinkumar, senior consultant for Middle East and Africa (MEA) at Canalys. This affordability has democratized access to the internet, allowing more Nigerians to engage with digital services, social media, and streaming content.
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Indeed, the numbers are staggering. According to the International Trade Center (ITC), Nigeria has imported $3.82 billion worth of telephones, including smartphones, since 2019, with a significant 74.09 percent originating from China. This influx has propelled Transsion Holdings, the maker of Tecno and Infinix, to become the fourth-largest smartphone vendor globally, capturing 15 percent of the market.
However, beneath the surface of this digital revolution lies a stark reality: a significant internet usage gap. A recent GSMA report highlights that 120 million Nigerians remain unconnected, primarily due to affordability barriers. “What is happening now (high cost of things) isn’t peculiar to ICT, but mobile phones are a need,” says Adeolu Ogunbanjo, president of the National Association of Telecoms Subscribers (NATCOMS), emphasizing the essential nature of connectivity.
The rising cost of living, fueled by inflation, has strained the purchasing power of many, creating a demand for entry-level devices. Yet, as Pravinkumar notes, the Nigerian smartphone market still experienced growth in 2024, demonstrating the resilience and adaptability of consumers.
As a news writer, I see the human angle in these statistics. We’re not just discussing data points; we’re talking about access to information, education, and economic opportunity. For many, a smartphone is a lifeline, a tool for empowerment. The challenge, however, is ensuring that this digital revolution benefits all Nigerians, not just a select few.
The country’s young population and increasing appetite for digital services suggest that smartphone penetration will continue to rise. Industry experts predict that this growth will further fuel the digital economy, creating new opportunities and transforming how Nigerians live and work. While affordability remains a significant hurdle, the trajectory is clear: Nigeria is embracing the digital age, and smartphones are at the forefront of this transformation.
