MTN and Airtel Nigerian network subscribers spent a total of N2.53 trillion on voice and data services in the first half of 2025
Over the last two and a half years, the average Nigerian internet subscription has seen its monthly data usage more than double, rising from 3.3GB in January 2023 to 7.4GB in May 2025. This jump did not come from a growing number of connections. In fact, the total number of active internet subscriptions remained relatively flat and even declined sharply in early 2024 after a nationwide SIM deactivation exercise.
To properly understand this trend, the focus should be on data usage per active subscription, not total traffic. That shift makes it clear the growth is being driven by more intensive use by individuals, not by an expansion in the number of active subscriptions.
Despite the fall in the number of active subscriptions, total internet traffic kept rising. This highlights increasing reliance on streaming, social media, online education, and remote work. Monthly patterns also show consistent dips in February and spikes around December and January, suggesting that holidays and school schedules influence how Nigerians go online.
A major turning point came in 2024 when monthly usage per active subscription crossed 5GB for the first time. From then on, it never dropped below 6GB, even during traditionally slower periods.
