Nigeria’s digital economy is expanding quickly, and rising internet data use is driving this growth nationwide.
The NCC reports that Nigerians now consume 45,800 terabytes of data every day.
Nigeria’s Rising Data Consumption
This trend shows how strongly Nigerians depend on digital platforms for work, learning, and entertainment.
NCC boss Aminu Maida presented these figures in Lagos on Thursday.
He addressed participants at the 2026 Judges’ Workshop on Telecommunications Law.
Rimini Makama, representing him, delivered the presentation on stakeholder management issues.
Nigerians reached 1.42 million terabytes of total data use in March 2026.
This figure rises sharply from 995,000 terabytes recorded in March 2025.
As a result, Nigerians now consume over 15 million hours of HD video daily.
In contrast, Nigerians consumed about 10.7 million HD video hours daily last year.
Consequently, usage increased by 4.6 million extra HD video hours per day.
Digital Economy Expansion
Maida explained that digital growth is reshaping Nigeria’s economic structure.
For instance, digital payments now spread across urban and rural communities.
In addition, e-commerce platforms connect more buyers and sellers nationwide.
Similarly, startups expand rapidly across fintech and digital service sectors.
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Moreover, digital literacy programmes increase participation in the digital economy.
Therefore, these developments strengthen economic inclusion across Nigeria.
Infrastructure Pressure And Security Risks
However, telecom infrastructure faces increasing pressure across the country.
Vandalism, fibre cuts, theft, and sabotage frequently disrupt network services.
Meanwhile, President Tinubu classified telecom assets as critical national infrastructure.
This decision strengthens protection for essential digital systems nationwide.
Accordingly, the NCC collaborates with security agencies to secure telecom infrastructure.
It carries out asset mapping, sensitisation, enforcement, and stakeholder coordination.
Furthermore, NSA collaboration has disrupted telecom equipment theft networks.
At the same time, cybersecurity threats continue to rise across digital systems.
To respond, the NCC introduced TIRMS to reduce SIM fraud and identity abuse.
It also targets misuse of recycled mobile numbers nationwide.
Additionally, the NCC signed an agreement with the Central Bank of Nigeria.
This agreement helps combat electronic fraud linked to mobile numbers.
It also extends cooperation to the EFCC and NIMC for wider enforcement.
Separately, Idris Olorunnimbe said digital tools are reshaping global governance and commerce.
He warned that cybersecurity risks, AI challenges, and online harms are increasing.
Therefore, he urged stronger institutional and judicial cooperation frameworks.
Finally, telecom firms invested ₦2.5 trillion in 2025 infrastructure upgrades.
Mobile operators spent ₦2.13 trillion, while tower firms invested ₦373.8 billion.
Overall, rising data demand continues to pressure Nigeria’s telecom networks.
