Nigeria’s telecom industry is caught in a troubling paradox: while mobile network operators (MNOs) are raking in record data revenues, internet adoption across the country is slowing down. The major reason? The rising cost of smartphones is putting devices out of reach for millions of Nigerians, especially in rural and low-income areas.
According to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the country lost over one million active internet users in just six months. Total internet subscriptions dropped from 141.6 million in January to 140.6 million by June 2025, marking a sharp decline at a time when data usage per user is hitting new highs. This drop threatens to widen the already troubling digital divide, where millions remain offline despite growing digital services.
Industry experts warn that unless smartphone affordability is addressed—through tax waivers, local production, or import incentives—the sector's long-term growth could stall. For now, MNOs may be profiting from heavy users, but the broader national goal of digital inclusion is being put at risk.
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