ACCORDING TO THE NCC, MOBILE DATA USAGE ROSE FROM 518,000 TERABYTES TO 1.23 MILLION TERABYTES IN THREE YEARS.
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By: Fasasi Hammad
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) says monthly mobile data consumption surged by nearly 140 per cent, climbing 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 cautioned that the rapid growth in data demand is exerting increasing pressure on telecommunications networks.
The NCC also acknowledged ongoing challenges faced by subscribers, including inconsistent service quality, congestion in high-traffic areas, power-related outages, infrastructure damage, and delays in resolving customer complaints.
The NCC attributed recent gains in the telecommunications sector to renewed investment momentum and expanded network deployment.
The commission said operators rolled out more than 2,800 new and upgraded sites over the year, enhancing nationwide coverage and network capacity.
As a result, broadband subscriptions increased by 6 per cent, rising from about 96.3 million in December 2024 to over 109.6 million in December 2025, while broadband penetration climbed from 44.43 per cent to 50.58 per cent.
The NCC said that while network performance has yet to reach optimal levels in all areas, measurable improvements were recorded over the past year.
According to the commission, median 4G mobile download speeds rose by about 24 per cent, increasing from roughly 16 megabits per second (Mbps) to 20 Mbps, while average 4G download speeds improved by 18 per cent, climbing from around 28 Mbps to 33 Mbps.
The commission noted that 4G remains Nigeria’s dominant broadband technology, accounting for approximately 52 per cent of mobile connections and therefore best reflecting the day-to-day experience of most users.
It added that these gains were supported by stronger network foundations, with 4G population coverage consolidating at about 85 per cent, while 5G coverage expanded to roughly 13 per cent of the population and continues to grow.
According to the NCC, the combined improvements signal steady progress and lay the groundwork for increased digital usage and higher expectations around network performance and reliability.
NCC Pledges Improved Service, Transparent Tariffs in 2026
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) says consumers should expect better voice quality, more reliable data services, fewer disruptions, faster outage restoration and prompt refunds for failed recharges in 2026.
The commission also promised simpler and more transparent tariffs, a safer internet ecosystem and continued network expansion, particularly in underserved communities.
It said its 2026 regulatory focus will prioritise consumer outcomes through clear rules, active monitoring and consistent enforcement, with stronger quality-of-service oversight, enhanced incident reporting and measures to boost network resilience in high-traffic areas and persistent black spots.
The NCC added that it will reinforce tariff transparency, billing accuracy, customer care standards and protections against misleading practices, alongside clearer public communication during major service incidents.
It also plans to implement the revised Corporate Governance Code for the communications sector in 2026 to strengthen accountability and improve operator performance.
While recognising operators as key drivers of investment and innovation, the commission said it will hold them accountable, stressing that consumer experience must improve. Operators were urged to expand and strengthen networks, simplify tariffs, enhance customer care and comply fully with regulatory and governance obligations.
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