Nigerians burn 15.32 billion GB of data worth N6.6 trillion in one year

Nigeria consumed about 15.32 billion GB of internet data worth an estimated N6.6 trillion between June 2025 and May 2026. Monthly data usage rose by about 44% to a record 1.50 million TB in May 2026.

The figures, based on Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) data and an average data value of N431 per gigabyte, do not represent actual telecom revenue. The N431 benchmark is an estimate, not an official retail price.

Usage climbs steadily

NCC figures show Nigerians used approximately 15.32 million TB of data over the 12-month period. Converted, that equals 15.32 billion GB.

Consumption started at 1.04 million TB in June 2025, rose to 1.13 million TB in July and 1.15 million TB in August. It held stable in September before crossing 1.2 million TB in October and November. Usage jumped to 1.39 million TB in December and stayed around that level in January 2026. It dipped to 1.26 million TB in February, then rebounded to 1.42 million TB in March and 1.41 million TB in April. By May, it hit a record 1.50 million TB, up roughly 44% from June 2025.

The numbers cover Airtel, MTN, T2, Globacom and other licensed providers, including fixed wired networks, internet service providers and Voice over Internet Protocol services.

Tariffs and pricing

Before the 50% tariff adjustment approved in January 2025 and implemented from February, the average regulated price of 1GB of mobile data was about N287.50. The benchmark later increased to N431.25, though actual retail prices often ranged from N475 to N637.50 depending on the operator and package.

Applying the N431 average to total consumption gives an estimated value of about N6.6 trillion. Customers pay different amounts based on network, technology, subscription plan, promotions and validity period.

Telecom earnings and costs

The surge in usage is showing up in telecom results. MTN Nigeria, the country's largest mobile network operator, generated N1.699 trillion from data services in the first half of 2026. That is a 38.3% rise from N1.229 trillion in the same period of 2025.

But growth brings pressure. Operators must keep expanding capacity through spectrum, fibre-optic networks, transmission infrastructure, base stations and data centres. They also face rising energy, maintenance and operating costs.

Nigeria's internet boom cuts both ways: rising demand creates solid revenue opportunities, while the infrastructure needed to sustain it gets more expensive. For businesses and consumers, the record usage shows how central data has become to the economy, and why operators keep pushing for cost recovery in tariffs.