Nigeria’s internet data consumption fell slightly in March despite an increase in the number of mobile internet users, as rising telecom tariffs prompted consumers to scale back usage.
According to the latest figures from the Nigerian Communications Commission, data usage dipped to 995,876 terabytes in March 2025, a 0.50 per cent decline from January’s 1,000,930 terabytes. The figure, however, represents a recovery from February’s sharper 10.8 per cent drop to 893,054 terabytes.
The March usage was recorded across 142.05 million active mobile internet subscribers, up from 141.25 million in February. The data suggests that while more Nigerians are connected, many are rethinking their digital consumption amid rising costs.
The decline comes as telecom operators received regulatory approval to increase data tariffs by as much as 50 per cent, a move that has drawn widespread criticism from consumers already grappling with inflation and economic uncertainty.
“The new prices are outrageous,” bemoans Lagos-based employee Sunday Ogene. “I now turn off my mobile data most of the day to save costs. Streaming and downloads have become a luxury. Most times, I do those downloads when I get to the office.”
Despite the national dip in consumption, telecom operators posted strong first-quarter earnings, driven in part by the new pricing structure and ongoing investments in network infrastructure.
MTN Nigeria, the country’s largest mobile operator by subscribers, reported a 51.5 per cent rise in data revenue to N529.44 bn, up from N349.51 bn in the previous quarter. Data traffic increased by 46.4 per cent, while average usage per subscriber rose by 29.5 per cent to 12.8GB.
Airtel Nigeria also recorded a 44.5 per cent increase in data revenue, with usage per customer rising 33.4 per cent to 8.4GB per month. Smartphone penetration across its network climbed to 49.6 per cent, underscoring the growing reliance on mobile connectivity despite rising costs.
Analysts say the divergence between individual data usage trends and telco revenues highlights the complexity of Nigeria’s digital economy. While user numbers continue to grow, fuelled by demand for streaming, e-commerce, and financial services, affordability remains a key constraint.
Developmental economist Ilias Aliyu said the recent hike in telecom tariffs is deepening financial hardship for many Nigerians.
“The rising cost of data is affecting everyday activities,” he told The PUNCH. “We warned the government that increasing tariffs would further entrench poverty, and that’s what we’re seeing now.
“There are things people need to do online that they’re avoiding simply because they can’t afford the data. It’s clear this has significantly reduced the purchasing power of Nigerians.”
