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Nigeria’s data consumption hits 4 million terabytes in Q1 2026 – Technology Times
Nigeria’s telecoms sector is entering a new phase of digital intensity, with data consumption crossing four million terabytes in the first quarter of 2026, even as teledensity climbed to 85.67%, according to the telecoms regulator, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
The surge in consumption comes as Nigeria’s telecoms penetration approaches saturation, with teledensity rising to 85.67% and total active subscriptions reaching 185.5 million during the same period. The figures point to a market that is no longer defined primarily by how many people are connected, but by how much data they consume.
NCC’s industry statistics show that Nigerians consumed a total of 4,068,360.85 terabytes of data between January and March 2026, reflecting the growing centrality of internet usage in everyday life, from streaming and social media to financial services and enterprise connectivity.
| Month | January 2026 | February 2026 | March 2026 |
| Terabytes | 1,385,536.04 | 1,260,060.27 | 1,422,764.54 |
A monthly breakdown of the figures shows that data usage stood at 1,385,536.04 terabytes in January, declined to 1,260,060.27 terabytes in February, and rose again to 1,422,764.54 terabytes in March, highlighting both the scale and fluctuations in demand across networks.
The surge in data consumption comes as Nigeria’s telecoms penetration approaches saturation, with teledensity rising to 85.67% and total active subscriptions reaching 185.5 million during the same period. The figures point to a market that is no longer defined primarily by how many people are connected, but by how much data they consume.
According to the regulator’s data, MTN Nigeria maintained its lead with 95.7 million subscribers, representing 51.62% share, after adding about 2.6 million new users in the first quarter.
Airtel Nigeria remained the second-largest operator with 63.6 million subscribers and a 34.3% share, recording the highest net additions of 2.7 million new connections during the period.
In contrast, Globacom continued its gradual recovery, ending the quarter with 22.6 million subscribers after adding just over 414,000 new lines, while T2 Mobile recorded 3.4 million subscribers, reflecting its limited footprint despite recent restructuring efforts
.
The widening gap between the top two operators and smaller players underscores how scale is becoming increasingly important in a data-driven market. With millions of terabytes flowing across networks, operators with deeper infrastructure and wider coverage are better positioned to capture value.
To meet rising demand, telecoms companies are ramping up investments in network expansion and capacity upgrades. MTN Nigeria disclosed that it invested about ₦1 trillion in 2025 to expand fibre infrastructure, deploy additional base stations, and strengthen network capacity nationwide.
Similarly, Airtel Nigeria has expanded its network footprint significantly, while Globacom has undertaken a nationwide upgrade to improve data speeds and reduce congestion. T2 Mobile is also rebuilding its network through a partnership with Huawei as part of its turnaround strategy.
Despite the strong growth in both subscriptions and data usage, operators are contending with rising operational costs. MTN Nigeria reported a 41.8% increase in service revenue to ₦1.5 trillion in Q1 2026, with profit after tax rising by 165.9% to ₦355.5 billion, but warned that high diesel prices could weigh on margins for the full year.
As Nigeria moves closer to universal telecoms access, the industry’s next phase will likely be defined not by how many people are connected, but by the quality, speed, and affordability of the data services powering an increasingly digital economy.
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The Renewed Hope Youth Engagement (RHYE), Plateau State Chapter, on Friday, November 13, 2026, held an educational empowerment programme in Jos, Plateau State, with the distribution of free laptops to deserving students across tertiary institutions in the state.
The initiative, held at Tamarald Event Centre, Jos, was organised in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the vision of Renewed Hope Youth Movement . It is aimed at promoting digital inclusion, strengthening educational opportunities and equipping young Nigerians with the technological resources needed to excel in today’s increasingly digital society.
The event featured the presence of the Grand Patron of the Renewed Hope Youth Engagement initiative, Barr. Seyi Tinubu, who was accompanied by the Honourable Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande Wisdom.
Other notable dignitaries included the Plateau State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Prince Miaphen; the Plateau State Coordinator of the City Boy Movement, Prince David Daser; the State Coordinator of Renewed Hope Youth Engagement, Mr. Manji Wilson; alongside other government officials, youth leaders, political stakeholders and students.
500 LAPTOPS TARGETED, 50 STUDENTS BENEFIT IN FIRST PHASE
A major highlight of the programme was the announcement of plans to distribute 500 laptops to deserving tertiary institution students across Plateau State.
Under the first phase of the initiative, 50 students drawn from various institutions received brand-new laptops to support their academic activities and digital learning.
Among the institutions represented were the University of Jos (UNIJOS), Plateau State University (PLASU), Plateau State Polytechnic (PLAPOLY), College of Health Technology, Zawan, College of Health Technology, Pankshin, and other institutions.
According to the organisers, the beneficiaries were selected based on academic merit, particularly their Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA), through a process facilitated by their respective institutions.
The laptops are expected to enhance students’ access to digital learning resources, academic research, assignments, online educational platforms and the acquisition of essential technological skills.
SEYI TINUBU VISITS GOVERNOR MUTFWANG, BARKIN LADI MEDICAL OUTREACH
Beyond the educational empowerment programme, Barr. Seyi Tinubu’s visit to Plateau State also featured other engagements.
Prior to the event in Jos, he visited a free medical outreach organised by the City Boy Movement in Barkin Ladi, where residents benefited from healthcare services.
He also paid a courtesy visit to the Executive Governor of Plateau State, His Excellency, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, at the Government House, Jos.
The organisers expressed appreciation to the Plateau State Government and the TIME IS NOW administration for their support and cooperation towards the successful hosting of the programme.
JOS ENTERTAINMENT STARS ADD COLOUR TO THE EVENT
The programme also featured entertainment and musical performances, making the occasion a celebration of youth, education and talent.
Popular Nigerian rapper Ice Prince Zamani, alongside Jos-based entertainers including Classic and Seemo Da Black Czar, thrilled guests and participants with live performances.
The entertainment segment added excitement to the gathering, bringing together education, youth engagement and the creative industry on one platform.
AN INVESTMENT IN THE FUTURE OF YOUNG PEOPLE
Speaking on the significance of the initiative, the organisers emphasised that the laptop distribution goes beyond the provision of electronic devices, describing it as an investment in the future of young Nigerians.
For the beneficiaries, the laptops represent valuable tools that will improve their learning experiences, expand access to educational opportunities, encourage digital innovation and prepare them for a technology-driven world.
The event which was well coordinated by Renewed Hope Youth Engagement further highlights the importance of youth-focused initiatives in promoting education, innovation, digital inclusion and sustainable development.
With a target of reaching 500 students, the initiative is expected to extend its impact to more deserving students across Plateau State as subsequent phases of the programme unfold.
The November 13 engagement marks another major youth-focused activity in Plateau State, bringing together government, youth organisations, educational institutions and the creative community in support of the development and empowerment of young people.
A political analyst, Sam Amadi, has said presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Peter Obi, cannot effectively run a typical Nigerian political organisation because of his minimalist political approach and reluctance to distribute money.
Amadi said Obi's style of politics was fundamentally different from Nigeria's prevailing political culture, where politicians expect financial rewards and other benefits from their political associations.
He argued that some politicians who left Obi's camp were partly driven by what they expected from him but did not get.
Speaking on Arise Television's Prime Time programme on Friday, Amadi said Nigeria's political environment was unstable, with politicians frequently moving between political platforms in pursuit of personal interests.
According to him, some politicians who left Obi's camp had approached him to explain their grievances.
Amadi said their complaints reflected a fundamental disagreement between Obi's political philosophy and the expectations of politicians operating within Nigeria's political system.
The former Director-General of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC, maintained that Obi understood his limitations in managing the country's conventional political structure.
He also described Obi as a minimalist who prefers a less elaborate approach to politics, arguing that the former Anambra State governor would rather pursue a straightforward path to political success than engage in the extensive political mobilisation associated with conventional Nigerian politics.
Amadi said: "Peter Obi represents a different kind of politician. Everything about him is often also exaggerated.
"Atiku ran for election with him as vice. The first thing he did after the election was to jump.
"First, Nigeria has a political market that's unstable. Yes. Most of these guys who left, they've come to me, and I talk to them, and they bring issues of grievance. And I say to these guys, look, I've served as Senate president. I've served Jonathan. I disagree with these people, but it's part of it.
"There's a political career. These guys want to move on. Secondly, they also want to have some things Peter cannot offer. That's a deep dissonance between Peter and Nigerian politics. People forget that. Yes, he doesn't give money.
"So Peter is not capable; Peter cannot run a typical Nigerian political organization. He knows that.
"Again, Peter is a minimalist, but it's business. He likes to, if he can, just sneak through this. He doesn't have to open the whole place."
2027: Peter Obi can’t run typical Nigerian political organisation – Sam Amadi
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