In August 2026, Nigeria’s internet users consumed a record 1.76 million terabytes of data, according to the latest figures released by the [Nigerian Communications Commission](https://ncc.gov.ng), marking the highest monthly volume since the regulator began publishing the statistic in 2023.
The milestone underscores a clear shift in how Nigerians interact with digital services. Data traffic is now overtaking traditional voice calls, with many people replacing SMS and cellular voice with data‑based options such as WhatsApp voice and video calls, Telegram, Zoom and Google Meet.
Analysts note that data is no longer a luxury but an essential utility for everyday activities, remote work, e‑learning and staying connected with personal networks and customers. Short‑form video platforms—including TikTok, Instagram Reels, YouTube and X (formerly Twitter)—are major contributors to the heightened consumption.
Modern smartphones and newer applications further boost data use through high‑resolution video, auto‑play features and background updates, which can increase traffic depending on user settings and habits.
On average, each of Nigeria’s 158.5 million internet subscribers in August 2026 downloaded roughly 11.41 GB of data during the month.
**What added to the subscriber base?**
The telecom sector recorded an influx of 82,000 new internet users in August, driven largely by a 46,200‑strong increase from [MTN Nigeria](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MTN_Group). This pushed the operator’s total internet subscriber count to 84.6 million, widening its lead over rivals.
Industry data also showed that Airtel Nigeria added 18,000 users while Globacom gained 15,000, bringing their respective subscriber bases to 56.93 million and 15.76 million. T2mobile (9mobile) saw no growth, holding steady at 810,010 users.
**How did network shares change?**
4G network share rose to 54.77 % from 54.31 % the previous month. 5G also made modest gains, climbing to 4.92 % from 4.74 %. Conversely, 2G fell for the first time in six months to 36.05 % (down from 36.54 %), and 3G continued its decline, slipping to 4.27 %.
**What is the state of broadband?**
Broadband subscriptions—representing high‑speed internet connections—jumped from 124.4 million to 126.2 million in August, lifting broadband penetration to 58.22 %. This falls short of the 70 % target set for December 2025 under the National Broadband Plan (NBP) 2020‑2025.
To close the gap, the Federal Government plans to lay 90,000 km of open‑access fibre across the country, a project slated to start in October and finish by 2028. The rollout aims to expand the national fibre backbone from about 35,000 km to 125,000 km and connect more than 200,000 schools and health facilities.
The [Nigerian Communications Commission](https://ncc.gov.ng) is also drafting a 2025‑2030 roadmap that will focus on low‑earth‑orbit (LEO) satellites and direct‑to‑device connectivity, seeking to bring reliable internet to rural communities and narrow the digital divide.