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Nigeria’s data consumption hits 4 million terabytes in Q1 2026 – Technology Times

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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).

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Dr Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman, NCC. Image credit: NCC/X.


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.

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Image credit: NCC.



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.

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Image credit: NCC.



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

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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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Ekiti 2026: Re-elect Oyebanji for second term – Tinubu tells residents

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commended Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s performance in office, telling Ekiti voters that the governor came into leadership fully prepared to serve the people.

Speaking ahead of the June 20 governorship election, Tinubu urged residents to re-elect Oyebanji for a second term.

The endorsement came on Tuesday at the All Progressives Congress mega rally in Ado-Ekiti. The venue was packed with party faithful, allies from other political groups, and supporters across religious and ethnic lines, all showing solidarity with Oyebanji’s re-election bid.

Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, President Tinubu praised Ekiti citizens for their loyalty to the APC over the years.

He described the state as fortunate to have Oyebanji at the helm of affairs, noting that the governor’s actions and policies prove that true leadership is about serving people, not oppressing them or undermining their rights.

Tinubu highlighted Oyebanji’s humility, patience, and respect for traditional rulers and past leaders, pointing out the absence of opposition posters across the state as a sign of Oyebanji’s wide acceptance.

“On Saturday, go out and re-elect this humble and peaceful man to further serve you better,” Shettima said on Tinubu’s behalf. The President then symbolically handed Oyebanji over to former governors and first ladies, urging them to secure victory for him.

Chairman of the APC National Campaign Council and Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, described Oyebanji’s popularity as electrifying.

Chairman of the APC Governors Forum and Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, said the party’s visibility in Ekiti was unmatched. He noted that only the APC had campaigned market to market and house to house.

APC National Chairman, Prof Nentawe Yilwadta, insisted the party’s confidence was rooted in Oyebanji’s connection to the people, not just in being the ruling party.

A visibly elated Governor Oyebanji, joined by his wife Dr Olayemi Oyebanji and Deputy Monisade Afuye, said he was not relying on federal might but on his record and the promises he kept since 2022.

He appealed for a peaceful election and promised that his second term would surpass the achievements of the last three and a half years.

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Nigerian Striker Toyosi Olusanya Completes Permanent Move to Aberdeen on Two-Year Deal

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Scottish Premiership club Aberdeen have secured the permanent signing of London-born Nigerian striker Toyosi Olusanya, with the forward committing his future to the club on a two-year contract after an impressive loan spell.

READ ALSO: Isaac John Turns Heads at Ex-Internationals Cup in Lagos, Declares Himself Ready for the Big Stage 

Sports247 reports that the 28-year-old joins the Dons as a free agent following the expiration of his contract with Major League Soccer side Houston Dynamo. His arrival marks another key addition to manager Stephen Robinson’s rebuilding project ahead of the new season.

Olusanya spent the second half of the previous campaign on loan at Aberdeen, where he quickly adapted to life in Scottish football.

During his stint, he made 18 appearances across all competitions and contributed three goal involvements, earning the confidence of the coaching staff and convincing the club to pursue a permanent deal.

The striker’s work rate, physical presence, and attacking versatility made him a valuable option during his loan spell, and Aberdeen will be hoping he can build on that foundation as they prepare for the challenges of the upcoming Premiership campaign.

His signing represents the fifth addition to Robinson’s squad during the summer transfer window as the club continues to strengthen its roster with an eye on domestic success and improved performances across all competitions.

Born in London and eligible to represent Nigeria, Olusanya has enjoyed a career spanning English football and Major League Soccer before making the move north of the border.

The permanent transfer offers him the opportunity to continue his development in a familiar environment after settling into the team during his loan period.

For Aberdeen, retaining a player who already understands the club’s style and expectations provides continuity as they reshape the squad for the new season.

Supporters will be eager to see the Nigerian forward translate his promising displays into consistent goals and assists over the course of the campaign.

With his future now secured at Pittodrie, Olusanya begins the next chapter of his career aiming to establish himself as a key figure in Aberdeen’s attack and help the club compete strongly in the Scottish Premiership.

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