Nigerian telecom subscribers hit a historic peak in data usage in May 2025, consuming a record 1.04 million terabytes, the highest monthly figure ever recorded since the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) began publishing such statistics in January 2023.
The surge comes even as active internet subscriptions fell, reflecting how rising costs and economic pressures are reshaping digital behavior across the country.
The May consumption figure surpasses the previous record of 1 million terabytes set in January 2025, and also represents a sharp rise from April’s 983,283 terabytes. The data underscores the increasing reliance on internet-based services by Nigerians, despite economic hurdles, including a 50% hike in data tariffs recently implemented by all telecom operators.
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Internet Subscriptions Slide Despite Data Surge
While data consumption continues to rise, the number of active internet subscriptions is shrinking, suggesting users are either reducing the number of devices connected or dropping multiple SIMs to manage costs.
According to the NCC’s latest industry data, total internet subscriptions—including mobile, fixed, wired, ISP, and VoIP—fell to 141.5 million in May, down from 141.9 million in April. Mobile network operators (MNOs), who dominate the internet access market, were the biggest contributors to the decline.
The four major MNOs—MTN, Airtel, Globacom, and 9mobile—saw their combined internet subscriptions fall from 141.4 million to 141 million. The drop is particularly notable as it comes at a time when digital dependency is deepening across all sectors, from education to finance and streaming.
Active Mobile Subscriptions Also Dip
The broader mobile subscriber base also saw a contraction, dropping to 172.4 million in May from 172.6 million a month earlier. The loss was driven primarily by MTN and 9mobile, which shed 258,313 and 291,214 subscribers, respectively.
MTN, which remains the largest operator in Nigeria, saw its active user base fall to 90.2 million, while 9mobile declined to 2.6 million, despite a recent strategic partnership to tap into MTN’s infrastructure.
In contrast, Airtel gained 342,597 subscribers, expanding its base to 58.9 million, while Globacom’s numbers remained flat at 20.6 million.
Despite its monthly loss, MTN continues to dominate the Nigerian telecom landscape, holding 52.33% of the mobile market, followed by Airtel with 34.17%, Globacom at 11.96%, and 9mobile trailing with a mere 1.55% share.
The slight drop in subscriptions also affected Nigeria’s teledensity, which measures the number of telephone connections for every 100 inhabitants. It dropped to 79.65% in May from 79.78% in April, based on a national population estimate of 216 million.
What the Numbers Mean
The paradox of surging data usage amid shrinking subscriptions paints a nuanced picture. On one hand, the trend suggests that data is becoming a lifeline, powering work, entertainment, and daily activities. On the other hand, it reflects growing economic strain, as many Nigerians are opting out of multiple SIM usage or letting data plans expire due to affordability concerns following the 50% price increase.
While telcos are seeing revenue boosts from higher per-user data consumption, the subscription losses indicate a tightening grip on household budgets in the face of inflation, subsidy removals, and a weakening naira. For operators like MTN and Airtel, maintaining user numbers while boosting average revenue per user (ARPU) will be a delicate balancing act in the months ahead.
Industry analysts expect that unless pricing models are adjusted or broadband access becomes more decentralized and affordable, the country could see a continued divergence between data volume growth and subscriber base contraction.
In the short term, however, Nigeria’s appetite for data shows no sign of slowing—even if fewer people are footing the bill.