Nigerians are using more data than ever, even after a steep 50% increase in telecom tariffs.
According to new figures from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), mobile data consumption rose by 11.5% in March 2025, just a month after the new rates came into effect.
The NCC reported that subscribers used 995,876.10 terabytes of data in March, up from 893,054.80 terabytes in February. This growth comes despite higher prices for calls, SMS, and data, which began in February following NCC’s approval of the new tariff structure on January 20.
The average cost of 1GB of data has climbed from N287.50 to N431.25, though some advertised rates now place it closer to N587.50. SMS charges also increased from N4.00 to N6.00.
But the price hikes haven’t discouraged users. Internet subscriptions across Nigeria’s four major mobile networks—MTN, Airtel, Globacom, and 9mobile—also grew in March.
Active internet subscriptions rose from 140.7 million in February to 141.5 million a month later, with MTN maintaining its lead at 75.62 million subscribers. Airtel followed with 48.8 million users, while Globacom and 9mobile recorded 15.37 million and 1.75 million subscribers, respectively.
Overall mobile subscriptions, including both voice and data lines, climbed by 1.8 million during the month, reaching 172.71 million in March, up from 170.6 million in February. This pushed Nigeria’s teledensity—a measure of active lines per 100 inhabitants—from 78.83% to 79.67%, based on a population estimate of 216 million.
Market share figures show MTN firmly in the lead with 90.5 million active lines (52.48%), followed by Airtel with 58.3 million (33.78%), Globacom with 20.7 million (12%), and 9mobile trailing with 2.9 million (1.72%).
The recent price adjustment marks the first major telecom rate increase in over a decade, driven by inflation, forex shortages, and rising energy costs. Yet, demand continues to grow, underlining Nigerians’ deepening reliance on mobile connectivity.
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