Nigeria recorded a record 8.51 million terabytes of data consumption in the first half of 2026, highlighting the growing shift towards a digital economy. Monthly usage rose from 1.26 million terabytes in February to 1.53 million terabytes in June. MTN Nigeria and Airtel Nigeria drove much of the growth as data services increasingly overtook voice as the main revenue source.
MTN generated ₦1.70 trillion in data revenue, while Airtel recorded ₦691 billion, bringing their combined data revenue to about ₦2.4 trillion. MTN also invested ₦620.5 billion in network infrastructure, including 4G, 5G and fibre expansion. However, consumers continue to report poor service quality and high costs, underscoring the need for further infrastructure investment.
The numbers are staggering. Nigerians are consuming more data than ever before, but they are also paying more and getting less than they should. The investment in infrastructure is welcome, but the service quality must improve. For a small business owner in Lagos, the high cost of data is a significant operational expense. For a student in Kano, the poor service quality means interrupted learning.
The winners: MTN and Airtel, which have generated significant revenue; and the Nigerian economy, which benefits from a growing digital sector. The losers: Nigerian consumers, who face high costs and poor service; and the Nigerian government, which must ensure that the infrastructure investment translates into better service.
Bottom Line: Nigerians are consuming more data than ever before. The networks are cashing in. The service quality is not keeping up. The question is whether the investment will lead to better service or just higher profits.