Nigeria’s internet usage experienced a decline for the first time since February 2024, totalling 850,249.09 Terabytes in September 2024, marking a 0.82% decline from 853,954.05 terabytes recorded in August 2024.
This insight is according to the latest telecom report released by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) suggesting fluctuations in data consumption patterns among users.
The monthly data trend shows fluctuations in usage over the past months, with notable increases observed in earlier months.
- September 2024: 850,249.09 Tb
- August 2024: 853,954.05 Tb
- July 2024: 829,584.47 Tb
- June 2024: 798,583.81 Tb
- May 2024: 771,993.56 Tb
- April 2024: 766,708.12 Tb
- March 2024: 753,388.77 Tb
- February 2024: 694,804.54 Tb
In September 2024, MTN continues to lead the market in the number of active subscribers across Nigeria’s major telecom operators with a substantial 78,097,681 subscribers, accounting for 50.50% of the total subscriber base.
Following MTN is Airtel, which has secured 53,748,688 subscribers, representing 34.76% of the market. Globacom ranks third with 19,152,907 subscribers, making up 12.39% of the market and lastly, 9mobile recorded 3,635,160 subscribers, which accounts for 2.35% of the total market.
Telecom GDP contribution
The contribution of the telecommunications sector to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has exhibited a notable upward trend, highlighting its critical importance to the nation’s economic landscape.
In the second quarter of 2024 (Q2 2024), the telecommunications sector accounted for 16.36% of Nigeria’s GDP. This marks a significant increase from 14.58% recorded in the first quarter of the same year (Q1 2024), reflecting a robust quarter-on-quarter growth of 12.19%.
The year-on-year comparison further emphasizes this growth, as the telecommunications industry’s GDP contribution rose from 16.06% in Q2 2023.
- This consistent upward trajectory underscores the sector’s resilience and its growing role in supporting economic activities across various industries.
- As Nigeria continues to advance technologically, the telecommunications sector not only facilitates communication but also enhances productivity, innovation, and overall economic performance.
- This rise in contribution can be attributed to several factors.
- Firstly, the increasing penetration of mobile and internet services has expanded access to digital platforms, enabling more businesses and individuals to participate in the digital economy.
- Additionally, the ongoing investments in infrastructure, such as network expansion and the rollout of advanced technologies like 5G.
- As of September 2024, 5G penetration in Nigeria has reached 2.19%, up from 2.12% in August and 1.95% in July. This steady increase reflects the growing adoption of 5G technology, which promises enhanced internet speeds and connectivity.
What you should know
- The GSMA, the global association for mobile network operators, reported that 120 million Nigerians lacked access to mobile internet by the end of 2023, revealing a significant usage gap in the country.
- This gap indicates that many individuals live within mobile broadband coverage but do not utilize internet services.
- Globally, 3.45 billion people or 43% of the world’s population remained unconnected.
- The report highlights that device affordability and digital skills are the main barriers to mobile internet adoption in low- and medium-income countries (LMICs) like Nigeria. In these regions, entry-level internet-enabled devices can cost 18% of the average monthly income, rising to 51% for the poorest 20%.
- In Sub-Saharan Africa, this cost can consume up to 99% of the average monthly income for the poorest segment.
