Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has disclosed that mobile data consumption in Nigeria has surged sharply over the past three years.
Gatekeepers News reports that NCC said mobile data consumption in the country rose from about 518,000 terabytes in January 2023 to more than 1.23 million terabytes by November 2025.
In its new year message, the commission said the growth represents an increase of roughly 140 percent and reflects rising digital activity across the country. It warned, however, that the growing demand is putting more pressure on telecom networks nationwide.
The regulator acknowledged that many users still face challenges such as poor service quality, congestion in high-traffic areas, network outages caused by power issues and damaged infrastructure, as well as delays in resolving customer complaints.
NCC said, “Operators, in turn, continue to face deep-rooted challenges, including rising operating costs, energy and logistics constraints, right-of-way issues, and persistent vandalism and theft of telecommunications infrastructure”, adding that these realities affect both the pace of expansion and the quality of service delivery.
The commission also reported steady growth in broadband access. It said broadband subscriptions rose to 109.6 million in December 2025, up from 96.3 million recorded in December 2024, driven by renewed investment and wider network rollout.
NCC said, “Over the year, operators deployed over 2,800 new and upgraded sites, strengthening both coverage and capacity nationwide”. It added that broadband penetration increased from 44.43 percent to 50.58 percent within the same period.
According to the commission, network performance improved during the year, even though service levels are not yet optimal in all areas.
It said median 4G download speeds rose by about 24 percent, from around 16 megabits per second to 20 Mbps, while average 4G speeds increased from roughly 28 Mbps to 33 Mbps.
NCC noted that 4G remains the most widely used broadband technology in the country, accounting for about 52 percent of mobile connections. It said this makes 4G performance the most accurate reflection of daily user experience.
It said, “This expansion was underpinned by stronger network foundations, with 4G population coverage consolidating at about 85% and 5G expanding to roughly 13% of the population and continuing to grow.”
The commission added that “Together, these gains mark steady progress and set the stage for rising digital use and higher expectations for network performance and reliability.”
Looking ahead to 2026, NCC said consumers should expect clearer improvements, including better voice quality, more stable data services, fewer avoidable disruptions, faster restoration during outages and quicker refunds for failed recharges.
The commission also promised simpler and more transparent tariffs, stronger consumer protection, and continued network expansion, especially in underserved areas. It said its regulatory focus will centre on outcomes that directly affect users, backed by strict monitoring and enforcement.
NCC said, “We will reinforce tariff transparency, accuracy of billing, customer care standards, and protections against misleading practices. Consumers will also see more consistent public communication during major service incidents.”
It added that a revised corporate governance code for the communications sector will be implemented in 2026 to strengthen accountability at board and management levels.
While recognising telecom operators as key drivers of investment and innovation, the commission said it will hold them accountable where necessary.
NCC urged operators to invest more in network resilience, cut avoidable outages, improve customer care, and comply fully with regulatory requirements.
