Nigeria’s Internet Penetration Hits 48.15% in April 2025 – But Broadband Goals Still Out of Reach

Nigeria’s internet penetration is rising steadily, but the country is still struggling to meet its ambitious broadband goals. According to the latest data from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), internet penetration in Nigeria climbed to 48.15% in April 2025, up from 47.73% in March. This gradual growth signals a positive trend in connectivity, even as the country continues to fall short of its 2025 broadband target.

Internet Penetration in Nigeria: A Steady Climb

The NCC, Nigeria’s telecom regulator, released this data in its industry statistics report, which is published regularly in accordance with Section 89 Subsection 3(d) of the Nigerian Communications Act 2003 (NCA 2003). This section of the law mandates the Commission to monitor and report on the performance of the telecommunications sector to ensure transparency and progress.

April’s figure of 48.15% internet penetration marks a significant improvement and the highest level of internet access in the country since September 2024, when penetration dipped to 41.56%. That decline raised concerns about connectivity setbacks, but starting from October 2024, the numbers began to recover.

Here is a breakdown of the internet penetration rates over the past several months:

• September 2024: 41.56%

• October 2024: 42.24%

• November 2024: 43.16%

• December 2024: 44.43%

• January 2025: 45.61%

• February 2025: 46.58%

• March 2025: 47.73%

• April 2025: 48.15%

This upward trend reflects increased access to mobile data services and improved network infrastructure across the country. However, despite the improvement, Nigeria is still lagging behind on a critical national objective: reaching 70% broadband penetration by the end of 2025, as laid out in the National Broadband Plan (NBP 2020–2025).

The National Broadband Plan: A Lofty but Elusive Target

The NBP 2020–2025 was developed by the Federal Government of Nigeria to bridge the digital divide, expand economic opportunities, and support innovation through improved internet connectivity. The plan sets a clear goal of achieving 70% broadband penetration by December 2025, which would mean that more than two-thirds of Nigerians would have reliable and high-speed internet access.

However, with just eight months left in the year, and penetration still hovering below 50%, experts are skeptical about whether the target can be achieved on time. Industry analysts cite challenges such as inadequate infrastructure in rural areas, high data costs, and regulatory bottlenecks as some of the key factors slowing down progress.

Data Usage on the Decline Despite Higher Internet Penetration

Interestingly, even though more Nigerians are getting connected, data usage has declined in recent months. The NCC’s April 2025 report shows that total data consumption in the country stood at 983,283.43 terabytes, a drop from 995,876.10 terabytes in March.

This trend is not entirely new. Earlier in the year, data usage saw a sharp drop from over 1 million terabytes in January to just 893,054.80 terabytes in February 2025. This period also saw a loss of nearly one million internet subscribers, pointing to a dip in user activity despite the broader increase in penetration.

These fluctuations may be attributed to several factors, including:

• Economic constraints limiting how much data consumers can afford

• Network congestion or service quality issues discouraging high usage

• Seasonal usage patterns, especially among students and remote workers

• Increased competition from internet providers lowering average data consumption per user

NCC’s Role in Monitoring the Telecom Sector

The NCC plays a critical role in overseeing Nigeria’s rapidly evolving telecommunications landscape. As part of its mandate, the Commission requires all licensed operators to submit regular performance data. These statistics are vital for tracking key industry indicators such as:

• Internet and broadband penetration

• Data usage trends

• Subscriber growth or decline

• Pricing and affordability

• Quality of service and customer satisfaction

• Level of competition in the telecom sector

This regulatory oversight ensures that the government and stakeholders have access to accurate, timely information that can guide policymaking and investment decisions.

As the Commission explains, “Telecommunications operators are required to submit data regularly as part of their license obligations. These statistics help the NCC analyse industry trends, including service delivery, pricing, subscriber growth, and competition across the sector.”

Why Nigeria's Broadband Growth Matters

In today’s digital world, internet connectivity is not just a luxury—it is a necessity. Broadband access drives economic growth, enables remote education, supports digital health services, and allows businesses to thrive online. Nigeria, with its large population of over 200 million people, has massive potential to become a digital leader in Africa. But to realize that potential, universal and affordable internet access is crucial.

A higher broadband penetration rate means:

• More Nigerians can access e-learning platforms and online universities

• Startups and small businesses can operate more efficiently through digital tools

• Remote and hybrid work becomes more feasible across various sectors

• Farmers and rural dwellers can access market prices, weather updates, and online banking

• Government services can be delivered more efficiently through e-governance platforms

Challenges to Overcome

Despite the positive numbers, several challenges still hamper Nigeria’s broadband expansion, including:

1. Rural Connectivity Gaps

Many rural areas still lack reliable internet access due to poor infrastructure and limited investment. Bridging this gap requires targeted government policies and public-private partnerships.

2. High Cost of Data and Devices

Data prices, though gradually reducing, remain out of reach for millions of low-income Nigerians. Affordable smartphones and data bundles are essential to closing the digital divide.

3. Electricity Issues

Inconsistent power supply limits internet access, especially in communities that rely on generators. Stable electricity is a necessary foundation for digital infrastructure.

4. Regulatory Hurdles

Operators often face complex approval processes and multiple taxes across different states. Simplifying regulations can encourage more investment in broadband expansion.

What Needs to Happen Next?

To accelerate progress and meet the 70% broadband penetration goal by December 2025, several steps need to be taken immediately:

• Increase investment in broadband infrastructure, especially in underserved areas

• Subsidize internet access for students, small businesses, and rural populations

• Encourage private sector participation through incentives and simplified licensing

• Promote local content development, so Nigerians use the internet more for education, business, and entertainment

• Ensure accountability by regularly publishing progress reports and ensuring NCC statistics are transparent and actionable

Conclusion

While Nigeria’s internet penetration rose to 48.15% in April 2025, a significant recovery from the lows of late 2024, the country is still facing an uphill battle to meet its broadband goals. The National Broadband Plan 2020–2025 remains a guiding framework, but more aggressive actions are needed if the 70% penetration target is to be met by the end of the year.

The positive trends in connectivity are encouraging, but must be matched with increased infrastructure rollout, affordable access, and smart policies. The road ahead is challenging, but with the right strategy, Nigeria can achieve a digital revolution that benefits every citizen.

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