Internet access in Nigeria is experiencing significant growth, with more than half of the population now connected. However, a notable digital divide persists between urban and rural areas. Mobile devices serve as the primary means through which Nigerians access the internet. Despite high penetration rates, affordability, availability and service quality challenges hinder broader access.

In 2024, despite substantial investments in Nigeria and other regions of Africa, only 38% of the population was online. The International Telecommunications Union (ITU) reported that Africa ranked the lowest in global internet usage, starkly contrasting the global average of 68%. The ITU highlighted that while internet adoption in Africa is on the rise, millions remain offline due to high service costs, digital illiteracy and inadequate infrastructure, particularly in rural communities.

Current Internet Landscape

As of April 2025, Nigeria’s internet landscape boasts approximately 142 million subscribers, with broadband penetration reaching 48.15%. Internet usage has surged to 983,283.43 terabytes (TB). In January 2025, there were 141 million internet subscribers and a broadband penetration rate of 45.61%. These statistics underscore Nigeria’s expanding digital footprint and the increasing demand for internet services.

Furthermore, according to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the telecommunications regulator, 141.2 million mobile connections were recorded as of April 2025. The market share by generation indicates that 89% of the country’s connectivity still relies on 2G and 4G technologies.

Affordability of Internet Access in Nigeria

The cost of internet access poses a significant barrier for many Nigerians, affecting both individual users and businesses. According to a report by ITU, affordability remains a critical obstacle to achieving broader digital inclusion.

The ITU highlighted that in 2024, the median price of an entry-level mobile broadband plan (2GB per month) was 4.2% of the gross national income (GNI) per capita, a slight decrease from 4.6% in 2023. However, this figure is still more than double the United Nations Broadband Commission’s affordability target of 2%, making it the highest among all ITU regions.

Government and Private Initiatives

In response to these challenges, the government and the private sector invest in infrastructure and initiatives to enhance internet access and affordability. One notable initiative is Project 774 LG Connectivity, which focuses on bridging the digital divide across local governments in Nigeria. Spearheaded by the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, this project leverages NIGCOMSAT’s VSAT technology to provide reliable internet access in Nigeria.

The initiative aims to improve e-governance, education, health care, security and economic opportunities at the grassroots level by ensuring that communities can access affordable Internet services. The National Broadband Plan (2020-2025) also sets ambitious targets for internet penetration and affordability, aiming to achieve 70% broadband penetration by 2025.

In January 2025, the Center for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) revealed that about 27 million Nigerians have no access to telecom infrastructure, excluding those who can’t afford it. CITAD launched the Dakwa Community Hub in the rural area of Abuja to enable access to the internet in the community and online educational opportunities to about 50% of Nigerians who lack access.

– Damilola Bukola Omokanye

Damilola is based in Abuja, Nigeria and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons