Joy Agwunobi
Nigeria has recorded a historic surge in internet data consumption, surpassing the one million terabyte mark for the first time in a single month.
According to the latest data from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the country consumed 1,000,930.60 terabytes of data in January 2025, marking a new all-time high and underscoring the nation’s accelerating digital engagement.
This figure represents a 93 percent increase in data usage over the past two years, up from 517,670.15 terabytes in January 2023. Compared to January 2024, when consumption stood at 721,522 terabytes, the figure has grown by 39 percent, further highlighting the country’s growing reliance on internet connectivity.
Industry players attribute this growth to a combination of factors including rapid technology adoption, changing consumer behaviour, and infrastructure upgrades by telecom operators. A significant shift from 3G and 4G to 5G networks, as well as an explosion in video streaming, online gaming, and other data-intensive services, have notably altered the data landscape.
Telecom operators are feeling the impact directly. MTN Nigeria, the country’s largest telecom company, reported that its data traffic increased by 46.4 per cent , while average usage per subscriber grew by 29.5 per cent to 12.8GB in Q1 2025 compared to 7.8GB in March 2023
In the area of data services, Airtel Africa witnessed a 14.1 per cent increase in data customers, now totalling 73.4 million. Average data usage per user surged by 30.4 per cent, reaching 7.0 GB compared to 2.8GB in March 2021
Both telcos have reaffirmed their commitment to expanding infrastructure and improving service quality in response to these evolving digital habits. With data sales now forming the backbone of telecom revenue, operators are deploying aggressive strategies to maintain momentum and capture further market share.
In separate interviews, the CEOs of MTN Nigeria and Airtel Nigeria revealed ambitious plans for infrastructure investment aimed at enhancing service delivery and widening network reach.
Karl Toriola, chief executive officer of MTN Nigeria, said the industry is experiencing a structural shift, with data emerging as the primary revenue driver. He described 2025 as a “year of massive capital expenditure” for MTN, with a focus on improving service quality and expanding network capacity.
“We have already begun the process,” Toriola said. “Placing orders for equipment involves multiple stages—formal orders, letters of credit, shipment, installation, and sometimes even site acquisition or fiber deployment. All of this takes time, but the work is ongoing.”
He assured that subscribers will begin to notice tangible improvements in network performance by the end of Q2 and into early Q3, emphasising that the company’s top priority is delivering better service through expanded investment.
On its part, Airtel Nigeria has announced plans to double its capital investments in 2025, channeling funds into critical network upgrades and the deployment of next-generation technologies.
Dinesh Balsingh, CEO of Airtel Nigeria, said the initiative is targeted at eliminating coverage black spots and enabling broader access to digital services.
“This investment is specifically designed to bridge the coverage gap,” Balsingh noted. “Our goal is to connect every remote corner of Nigeria—not just with basic connectivity, but with high-quality digital services that can support education, healthcare, and financial inclusion.”
With the explosion in data consumption showing no signs of slowing, telecom operators are recalibrating their business models to reflect this shift. As digital services become central to everyday life in Nigeria—from entertainment and education to commerce and governance, investments in network infrastructure and quality of service are expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the country’s digital future.
Airtel Nigeria enhances app experience with a new eShop feature
Airtel Nigeria has announced a major upgrade to its My Airtel App, introducing a dynamic eShop feature that repositions the app as a comprehensive digital marketplace.
This new development expands the app’s functionality beyond the traditional services of airtime and data purchases, enabling users to conveniently shop for a wide variety of products and services within the same platform.
The newly integrated eShop offers customers access to an extensive range of items, including Airtel-branded products like Home Broadband (HBB) devices, as well as popular retail categories such as electronics, home appliances, fashion, and beauty products. This feature is designed to deliver a seamless and efficient shopping experience without leaving the app.
Speaking on the launch, Ismail Adeshina, director of marketing at Airtel Nigeria, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to innovation and user satisfaction.
“At Airtel, we recognise that today’s consumers prioritise ease and convenience. Our goal is to simplify digital interactions and enable quick transactions. By embedding the eShop within the My Airtel App, we are removing barriers and empowering our users to do more—whether it’s purchasing devices, recharging, or shopping for everyday essentials—all from a single platform,” he said.
With the upgrade, users can now access the eShop directly from the app’s home screen, eliminating the need to navigate through external websites or third-party platforms. This move aligns with Airtel’s broader vision of building a unified digital ecosystem that caters to the evolving lifestyle needs of its customer base.
In addition to core features like self-service options, quick bundle activation, and account management tools, the revamped My Airtel App now serves as a digital retail channel strengthening Airtel Nigeria’s position as a customer-focused brand committed to delivering innovative and value-driven solutions.
