Nigeria’s Data Demand Surges 47% As NCC Pushes Fresh Investment In Digital Infrastructure

Nigeria’s Data Demand Surges 47% As NCC Pushes Fresh Investment In Digital Infrastructure

Nigeria’s rapidly growing appetite for digital services is putting fresh pressure on telecommunications infrastructure, with data consumption rising by nearly half in just one year.

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Dr Aminu Maida, disclosed that national data consumption increased from about 1.13 million terabytes in July 2025 to 1.66 million terabytes in July 2026, a rise of nearly 47 per cent.

Speaking at the maiden Nigeria Digital Connectivity Investment Forum in Abuja, Maida said the growth underscored the urgent need for greater public and private investment in network expansion, modernisation and service quality.

He said the investment challenge is no longer limited to extending coverage, but also ensuring that existing users receive reliable services and that infrastructure is capable of supporting emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence and cloud-based services.

The NCC chief said the Commission is working to improve the investment climate through evidence-based regulation, engagement with state governments on Right of Way challenges and measures to strengthen infrastructure deployment.

Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, said digital infrastructure had become central to Nigeria’s competitiveness, investment climate and participation in global trade.

Swedish Ambassador to Nigeria, Anna Westerholm, also called for stronger collaboration among government, industry and investors, identifying energy, cybersecurity and digital skills as critical to building a sustainable connectivity ecosystem.

The two-day forum, organised by the NCC in collaboration with Swedfund and Ookla, brings together policymakers, investors, telecommunications operators, infrastructure providers, technology companies and development partners to explore investment opportunities in Nigeria’s digital connectivity sector.