Nigeria’s Daily Data Consumption Surges to 336 Gigabytes Per Second in 2024

The Nigerian Communications Commission has revealed that the country’s citizens daily data consumption has surged to an average of 336 gigabytes (GB) per second, reflecting a significant increase compared to previous years.

 

This marks a 39% increase from the previous year. According to the commission’s Executive Vice Chairman, Dr Aminu Maida, this incrase is a clear indication of the data-driven lifestyle many Nigerians lead.

 

Maida made this disclosure at 93rd Telecoms Consumer Parliament held in Abuja, themed “Optimizing Data Experience: Empowering Consumers through Awareness and Transparency in a Consumer-Centric Telecom Industry.

 

Speaking further, the NCC Boss said, Nigerians spend an average of 4 hours and 20 minutes on social media daily, far above the global average, underscoring how deeply embedded digital interaction is in our lives.

 

Quoting DataReportal that there are now over 5 billion internet users globally, Maida noted that Nigeria alone accounted for 132 million connections.

 

While addressing consumers concern on data depletion and billing transparency, he stressed that as data consumption grows, fueled by digital advancements, Nigeria isn’t alone in this; other countries, like Eswatini, are also working to address similar consumer concerns about data usage.

Also Read: MTN Nigeria Users Consume 31% More Data Monthly

Educating Nigerian telecom consumers, the EVC highlighted that improved technologies go beyond their purchase cost to our pockets, they also come at a cost to data. Because they have better screen resolutions, they consume higher quality media that consumes more data, this is the same for our increasing digital habits.

 

However, to enhance transparency and improve consumer understanding in the telecom industry, he revealed that earlier this year, the NCC analysed consumer complaints, identifying data depletion and billing issues as key concerns.

 

“Recognising these challenges, the Commission, in partnership with major operators, launched a Joint Industry Campaign on Consumer Awareness on Smarter Data Usage.

 

“This campaign educates consumers on managing data effectively, empowering them to optimise data usage through awareness,” he said.

 

He also added that address tariff complexity, the NCC has issued new Guidance on Tariff Simplification, requiring operators to provide clear, user-friendly information on data plans and pricing.

 

According to the EVC, the goal is to ensure that consumers are consistently satisfied with telecom services.

 

“This transparency will empower consumers to make better-informed decisions about their data usage and billing.

 

“Internet use has become essential to daily life, and our role at the NCC is to not only ensure accessibility but to enhance service delivery for consumers,” he noted.