Rising Data Demand Puts Nigeria’s Digital Infrastructure Under Pressure

Nigeria’s growing demand for internet data is putting increasing pressure on the country’s telecommunications networks and digital infrastructure, according to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

The NCC disclosed that Nigeria consumed about 1.6 million terabytes of data in July 2026, representing an increase of almost 47 percent compared with the same period a year earlier.

The figures were contained in a communiqué issued after the Nigeria Digital Connectivity Investment Forum 2026, held in Abuja from September 29 to 30.

Participants at the forum warned that the continued growth of cloud computing and artificial intelligence would place additional demands on telecommunications networks, data centres and electricity supply.

The NCC said telecommunications subscriptions, currently estimated at about 195 million, could rise to approximately 350 million over the next 10 to 15 years, highlighting the need for greater investment in digital infrastructure.

Despite mobile broadband coverage reaching about 90 percent of the population, the forum noted that smartphone ownership remains relatively low at about 27 percent, while broadband penetration stands at 57.4 percent.

Stakeholders therefore called for increased investment in fibre infrastructure, reliable power supply and affordable internet-enabled devices to expand digital access beyond major urban centres.

The forum also identified inadequate middle-mile fibre infrastructure and high electricity costs as major challenges limiting the expansion of data centres and internet services to underserved areas.

Participants recommended stronger financing frameworks, policy consistency and faster implementation of the Federal Government’s planned 90,000-kilometre Project BRIDGE fibre backbone to improve national connectivity.

The NCC said it would continue working with stakeholders to advance the recommendations and investment pathways agreed at the forum.