The number of active internet subscribers across Nigeria’s telecommunications networks rose to 157.7 million in July 2026, while total internet data consumption climbed to more than 1.66 million terabytes during the month.
Latest figures from the Nigerian Communications Commission showed that active internet subscribers reached 157,706,496 in July, up from 156,858,549 recorded in June.
The NCC data also revealed that total internet data usage increased from 1,532,172.67 terabytes in June to 1,662,021.45 terabytes in July.
The figures indicate continued growth in both internet subscriptions and data consumption over the 12 month period from August 2025 to July 2026, despite occasional monthly declines.
Active internet subscriptions stood at 140,328,196 in August 2025 before rising to 140,949,570 in September and 142,631,825 in October.
The upward trend continued in November, when the number reached 144,787,281, and rose further to 148,166,926 in December.
By January 2026, active internet subscribers had increased to 151,555,145. The figure climbed to 153,134,987 in February and 153,820,556 in March.
The number rose again to 154,724,088 in April and reached 157,405,351 in May. Although there was a slight decline in June, the subscriber base recovered in July to record its highest figure within the period.
Internet data consumption followed a broadly similar pattern.
Data usage stood at 1,152,347.24 terabytes in August 2025 before falling slightly to 1,147,133.24 terabytes in September. It then increased to 1,235,459.47 terabytes in October and 1,236,544.10 terabytes in November.
December recorded a stronger increase, with data consumption reaching 1,386,238.23 terabytes.
Usage declined slightly in January 2026 to 1,385,536.04 terabytes and fell further to 1,260,060.27 terabytes in February.
The figures recovered in March, rising to 1,422,764.54 terabytes, before edging down to 1,414,848.70 terabytes in April.
Internet data consumption picked up again in May, reaching 1,504,067.36 terabytes, and continued rising to 1,532,172.67 terabytes in June before recording a significant increase to 1,662,021.45 terabytes in July.
The Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators of Nigeria, Gbenga Adebayo, attributed the sustained growth in internet subscriptions to what he described as stable regulatory policies and initiatives.
Adebayo, who also serves as spokesperson for licensed telecommunications operators in Nigeria, said the improving regulatory environment was helping to strengthen the sector and attract foreign investment.
He also pointed to the Federal Government’s Zero Rated Access to Educational Platforms and Content Programme as another initiative capable of driving internet adoption.
The programme is being implemented through a collaboration involving the NCC, the Federal Ministry of Education and participating telecommunications operators.
According to Adebayo, allowing subscribers to access approved educational platforms without data charges could expand access to digital learning, promote digital inclusion and support Nigeria’s move towards a knowledge driven digital economy.
He said the programme, which includes an initial daily allocation of 100MB for educational use, could further contribute to growth in both the number of internet subscribers and the volume of data consumed across the country.
