According to NCC data, Nigeria’s internet users declined sharply after a 50% tariff hike on telecom services in January 2025, revealing both consumer caution and market adjustments.
- One million internet users dropped off in February, shrinking from 142.16 million to 141.25 million.
- Monthly data usage fell by 12% in February before rebounding 11.5% in March to 995.88 petabytes.
- Despite internet losses, 3.39 million new telephone users were added between January and March.
Subscribers continue to adjust their digital habits due to rising telecom costs. While voice and SMS usage remain essential, the dip in data consumption shows how sensitive internet access is to pricing shifts. Consumers are making difficult choices in tough times.
Will the industry balance profitability with affordability as Nigerians navigate inflation and rising costs? Operators must rethink pricing to retain users and avoid further digital exclusion.
