Social media, streaming, cloud services push data consumption above 13m terabytes in 2025

For 19-year-old Chiamaka Onyia, a 200 level under graduate of the University of Lagos, mobile data isn’t just entertainment, its survival. Between online lectures, research for assignments, and managing several freelance graphic design gigs, she’s on the net every day just to keep up.

The rising cost of mobile data did not deter her; rather, she devised a way to service her appetite and as well stay focused to her career online.

Sometimes she skipped watching long videos, particularly in the afternoon when data costs are on the peak. She watched her movies in the night and mostly subscribed her data bundles on the affordable night-plan bands.

“I sometimes delay watching important lectures and only did so in the night when I buy data on night plans, which are cheaper,” she said.

“Although data is life, particularly with everything one needs to know these days being online, it however doesn’t come cheap. So, the only way out is to think out of the box, strategise and ensure the money you have is able to keep you connected for a good number of hours”
Onyia’s story mirrors what many Nigerians experienced in 2025, but still managed to post appreciable data consumption, despite higher tariffs and economic pressure .
According to the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, monthly internet data consumption in 2025 reached the following levels: January – 1,000,930.60 TB, February – 893,054.80 TB, March – 995,876.10 TB, April – 983,283.43 TB, May – 1,043,431.98 TB, June – 1,044,073.08 TB, July – 1,131,255.90 TB, August – 1,152,347.24 TB, September – 1,147,133.24 TB, October – 1,235,459.47 TB, November – 1,236,544.10 TB, and December – 1,386,238.23 TB.
Total data consumption for the year was approximately 13,249,628 TB, with an average monthly consumption of around 1,104,136 TB. The data shows steady growth over the year, with usage climbing consistently from January to December, reflecting increasing reliance on the internet for work, social media engagements, education, and business.
Telecom analysts say the growth reflects both necessity and resilience. Remote work and online learning continue to expand baseline data demand, while streaming, social media, cloud services, and financial technology, fintech platforms increase usage even for low-income households. Small businesses and SMEs increasingly rely on digital tools, from social media to point-of-sale systems.
This is further corroborated by Chief Executive Officer of the Internet Exchange Point of Nigeria, IXPN, Mr. Muhammed Rudman, Nigeria’s premier neutral IXPN.
Rudman recently highlighted that social media videos significantly drive data consumption in the country during media training in Lagos.
Similarly, a telecom analyst, Osita Odafi, said: “The surge in data usage is driven by streaming platforms, cloud computing, fintech adoption, and smartphone penetration. Nigerians are connected more than ever, despite rising tariffs.”
In 2025, telecom operators implemented data tariff adjustments to offset rising operational costs, including energy, network maintenance, and foreign exchange pressures.
While some consumers initially curtailed usage, data shows overall consumption climbed steadily, suggesting that digital services are now indispensable.
For instance, students like Onyia ration data or use night plans to stretch budgets. Gamers spend on higher bandwidth plans for online multiplayer sessions, while SMEs rely on connectivity for customer engagement, sales, and digital payments.
For a Lagos-based journalist who identified herself only as Funke, “Data costs are one of my biggest operating expenses.
“Even with rising prices, online operations are essential- there’s no alternative.”
Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, notes: “Growth in internet usage demonstrates the resilience of Nigerian consumers. Operators must continue investing in infrastructure to keep pace with demand.”
Recently, the CEO of Airtel Nigeria, Dinesh Balsingh, told the media in Lagos that the growing demand for data calls for more investment and the company is doing just that.
He said: “Cities like Lagos are growing at lightning speed, more people, more businesses, more devices. We recognise that data is the new oxygen. That’s why we’re investing heavily in 5G and fibre to build a smart, scalable network that can carry the weight of Nigeria’s digital future.”
By December 2025, Nigeria’s internet story showed that more people are online and using more data. Even with higher tariffs and inflation, Nigerians have adjusted how they use the internet.

Culled from vanguard