Nigeria’s Data Appetite Hits New Peak, Over 1 Million Terabytes Consumed in May.
Nigerians shattered records in May 2025, using an all time high of 1.04 million terabytes (TB) of data the largest monthly usage ever recorded by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) since it began tracking data metrics in 2023. This spike happened even as internet subscriptions slightly dropped.
Short videos. Smarter phones. Life online. Nigerians are consuming more data than ever and it’s not slowing down.
Video Reigns Supreme
From TikTok trends to Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts, video is driving this digital boom. Analysts point to short-form content and mobile optimized streaming apps as the primary culprits behind this data surge. Streaming platforms like Netflix Mobile, Showmax, IrokoTV, and IbakaTV which compress video for mobile but still consume gigabytes are feeding the binge-watching culture.
“Social videos are the real data drivers,” said IXPN CEO Muhammed Rudman at a Lagos conference marking Nigeria’s internet traffic reaching 1 terabit per second. “They’ve become part of daily life.”
The Numbers That Matter
- May 2025 usage: 1.04 million TB
- April 2025 usage: 983,283 TB
- Previous high: 1 million TB (January 2025)
- Active internet subscriptions: Down from 141.9M to 141.5M
- Mobile network subscribers: Fell from 141.4M to 141M
Despite fewer users, data consumption is up each user is now using more than ever.
Smarter Phones, Hungrier Apps
Affordable 4G smartphones are everywhere. But with them comes hidden data consumption: auto-playing videos, syncing apps, silent background updates.
Over 60% of broadband users now operate on 4G. These phones aren’t just faster they’re busier.
School, work, worship, side hustles, even dating it’s all online. The internet is no longer optional; it’s infrastructure for daily life.
As 5G networks roll out and fiber broadband expands, buffering disappears — but bingeing and gaming quietly rise.
Urban Boom, Rural Divide
Cities like Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt are fueling Nigeria’s digital surge — but that’s only part of the story.
Rural Nigeria still struggles both with access to affordable devices and reliable networks. Experts warn that rising national averages can mask deep digital inequalities.
What It Means
- Consumers: Your phone is now your TV, classroom, office, and shop. Data is the currency.
- Telcos: There's growth ahead but infrastructure needs to keep up.
- Regulators: Time to prioritize affordability, digital inclusion, and equitable infrastructure.
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