Usage tops 1.23m terabytes, broadband hits 109.6m subscriptions as regulator promises better service in 2026
Nigeria’s appetite for mobile data has surged dramatically, with monthly usage jumping by about 140 per cent between January 2023 and November 2025, according to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
In its New Year message, the telecoms regulator disclosed that data consumption rose from approximately 518,000 terabytes to over 1.23 million terabytes within the period, a growth it said reflects the country’s rapidly expanding digital activity, but one that is increasingly stretching network capacity.
The NCC acknowledged that many subscribers continue to face uneven service quality, including congestion in high-traffic areas, service outages linked to power supply challenges and infrastructure damage, as well as delays in complaint resolution.
The commission noted that operators are also grappling with structural and operational pressures, ranging from rising operating costs and energy constraints to logistics challenges, right-of-way issues, and persistent vandalism and theft of telecom infrastructure.
“These realities affect both the pace of expansion and the quality of service delivery,” the NCC said.
Despite the challenges, the regulator reported notable progress across key performance indicators in 2025. Broadband subscriptions climbed to 109.6 million in December 2025, up from 96.3 million recorded a year earlier, driven by renewed investment and wider network rollout.
According to the NCC, telecom operators deployed more than 2,800 new and upgraded sites over the year, improving network reach and capacity nationwide.
As a result, broadband penetration increased from 44.43 per cent in December 2024 to 50.58 per cent by December 2025, marking a significant milestone in Nigeria’s digital connectivity drive.
While performance gaps remain in some locations, the commission said measurable improvements were recorded in network speeds. Median 4G download speeds rose by about 24 per cent, increasing from roughly 16 megabits per second (Mbps) to 20 Mbps, while average 4G speeds improved by 18 per cent, climbing from 28 Mbps to 33 Mbps.
The NCC noted that 4G technology remains the backbone of mobile broadband in Nigeria, accounting for around 52 per cent of all mobile connections, making it the most representative indicator of everyday user experience.
The commission added that network expansion has strengthened coverage nationwide, with 4G population coverage stabilising at about 85 per cent, while 5G coverage expanded to roughly 13 per cent of the population and continues to grow.
“Together, these gains reflect steady progress and lay the foundation for higher digital usage and rising expectations for network reliability and performance,” the NCC said.
NCC Outlines Consumer-Focused Agenda for 2026
Looking ahead, the NCC assured Nigerians of better voice clarity, more stable data services, fewer avoidable disruptions, faster restoration during outages and timely refunds for failed recharges in 2026.
The regulator also pledged simpler and more transparent tariff structures, a safer and more resilient internet ecosystem, and continued network expansion, particularly in underserved and unserved communities.
According to the commission, its regulatory priorities in 2026 will be anchored on outcomes that directly impact consumers, enforced through clearer rules, active monitoring and consistent sanctions where necessary.
On quality of service and network resilience, the NCC said it will intensify QoS monitoring, strengthen major incident reporting and push measures to improve network availability, especially in congestion-prone areas and long-standing coverage gaps.
“We will reinforce tariff transparency, billing accuracy, customer care standards and protections against misleading practices,” the commission said, adding that subscribers will also see more consistent public communication during major service incidents.
The NCC further disclosed plans to fully implement the revised Corporate Governance Code for the communications sector in 2026, aimed at strengthening board and management accountability and making governance a key driver of operator performance.
While recognising telecom operators as central to investment and innovation, the regulator stressed that consumer experience must improve, warning that it will not hesitate to enforce compliance where standards fall short.
Operators were urged to expand and harden their networks, reduce preventable outages, simplify tariffs, improve customer service, protect critical infrastructure and adhere strictly to governance and regulatory requirements.
The commission assured operators of fair, transparent and non-discriminatory regulation, alongside improved regulatory efficiency, structured stakeholder engagement and firm action against persistent non-compliance.
