Internet penetration in Nigeria set to hit 70% by 2025
By Seun Johnson
Internet penetration in Nigeria is set to soar to 70% by 2025. According to a report by the Nigerian Communication Commission, the expansion is fuelled by series of initiatives by the federal government, investments in digital infrastructure and adoption of mobile technology.
As of January 2025, internet penetration rate reportedly hovered around 44%. Report however suggests that an improved network coverage, more affordable data plans and a surge in smartphone usage will collectively paved the way for the 70% target.
Experts believe that the growth is not just about increased connectivity; it’s about unlocking new opportunities in all the sectors of the economy that are driven by internet connectivity.
The research further projected that the rise in internet access will drive economic growth in 2025. E-commerce, digital banking, and online education are among the sectors expected to witness a boom, potentially create new jobs and foster innovation.
As part of efforts to hit the 70% internet penetration target by end of 2025, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) in January launched the National Broadband Alliance for Nigeria (NBAN), an initiative aimed to expand internet access nationwide.
Key sectors such as schools, healthcare facilities, religious centers, and markets are primarily targeted for the programme with a view to creating a sustainable model for widespread broadband adoption.
NBAN is a federal government programme that aligns with Nigeria’s National Broadband Plan (2020-2025) and the Strategic Blueprint from the Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy.
Its goals include increasing broadband penetration from 44% in December 2024 to 70% by 2025, providing minimum data speeds of 25 Mbps in urban areas and 10 Mbps in rural areas, and boosting broadband investments by 300–500% by 2027.
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