Internet in Nigeria - History, Growth, and Challenges

The internet in Nigeria has a fascinating history that spans over two decades. Internet services were first introduced in Nigeria in 1996.

Nigeria's internet growth was initially slow due to limited infrastructure and high costs. However, the situation improved significantly in the early 2000s with the introduction of mobile internet services.

The number of internet users in Nigeria has been steadily increasing over the years, with the country now boasting over 100 million internet users.

The history of the internet in Nigeria started in 1991 with the provision of limited email service. This marked the beginning of internet access in the country.

In 1995, the Regional Information Network of Africa (RINAF) and Rose Clayton Nigeria Limited provided internet service at the computer science department of Yaba College of Technology.

The government granted licenses to GSM Telecommunication companies in 2001, leading to an increase in internet connectivity. This led to an increase in internet users, with about 750,000 active internet users by the end of 2003.

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In 1999, the African Internet summit (AFRINET'99) was held in Abuja, Nigeria, with the aim of creating a forum for internet practitioners in Africa to discuss policies and sustainable development.

The summit had financial aid from the United Nations Development Programme agency (UNDP), which provided $1 million to assist NITEL in establishing the internet backbone and training school.

By 1999, there were about 100,000 internet subscribers and 81 host sites, covering various sectors such as research, academia, government, and commerce.

However, internet connectivity was limited to urban areas like Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt, while rural areas lacked access due to inadequate coverage by ISP providers.

ISP providers focused mainly on urban centers where acceptance and usage were high, and revenue was generated, rather than investing in rural areas.

In 2001, the Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC) gave licenses to about 150 ISPs, some of which provided internet service on frequencies of 2.4 and 5.8 GHz using the ISM band.

However, the NCC prevented commercial use of the 2.4 and 5.8 GHz frequencies.

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In Nigeria, there are numerous internet service providers catering to the growing demand for internet access.

Some of the notable internet service providers in Nigeria include Internet Solutions Nigeria Limited, Swift Network, and Suburban Broadband limited.

With over 142 million cellular subscriptions, mobile networks dominate the internet market, but fixed-line broadband is slowly gaining traction.

The leading internet service providers in Nigeria as of the 1st quarter of 2025, by number of active subscribers, are listed below:

Starlink, a satellite-based service, is also a significant player in the Nigerian internet market, with around 60,000 subscribers as of 2023.

Nigeria's internet growth has been impressive, with a teledensity of 101.2 percent in November 2021, thanks to the addition of 1.23 million new subscribers.

The country's internet subscribers increased by 14.03 million in the fourth quarter of 2021, showing a significant boost in internet adoption.

In the first quarter of 2022, Nigeria's internet subscription increased by 2.7%, further solidifying the country's growth in internet connectivity.

The Southwest region of Nigeria is leading the way in internet connectivity, accounting for 552,667 new subscribers connected to the internet via ISPs in the first quarter of 2022.

Internet user penetration in Nigeria for 2022 is 38.73%, indicating a significant number of Nigerians are now online.

The ban on SIM card sales in 2021 initially led to a reduction in active internet users, but the easing of the ban in the first quarter of 2022 is expected to lead to a growth of about 60% in internet penetration before 2026.

MTN, one of the major ISPs in Nigeria, launched its 5G network in August 2022, providing faster internet speeds in major cities like Lagos, Abuja, and Port-harcourt.

Cybercrime is a major issue in Nigeria's internet space, with millions lost to cybercriminals. The country is ranked 43 among nations that commit cybercrime in the world.

Nigeria's government has taken steps to address this issue, establishing the National Cyber Security Initiative (NCI) and the Nigerian Cybercrime Working Group (NCWG) in 2003. The Nigerian Communications Commission is responsible for providing a crime-free cyber space for internet users.

The Nigerian Communications Commission's Computer Security Incident Response Team (NCC-CSIRT) has urged organisations to take cyber security measures seriously, especially with the spike in cybercrime in August 2022. Employees using strong and unique passwords is key to preventing cyber attacks on every account.

71% of Nigerian businesses were exposed to ransomware attacks in the first quarter of 2021, highlighting the need for improved cyber security.

In Nigeria, many communities are stuck in a state of "half lives", where they live on the edge of the country's broadband backbone but still lack basic services like reliable Internet. The hamlet of Tungan Ashere, 3 km northwest of Abuja's international airport, is a prime example.

People in Tungan Ashere farm cassava, watermelon, yam, and corn, but they can't track market prices or advertise their goods online due to the lack of reliable broadband. The community is waiting for power lines to be installed, but as of 2021, they remain naked and unused.

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To get to market, residents ride on dirt-bike taxis, and some have small herds of goats and cattle. Usman Isah Dandari, a technical assistant at the Centre for Information Technology and Development, is working to bring affordable broadband to areas like Tungan Ashere.

The community has a one-story building with solar panels that power a computer lab, but there's no grid electricity. The solar panels run a cellular modem, a few desktop computers, and a floor fan some of the time.

Many residents of Tungan Ashere were displaced by the Nigerian government when it chose the region as the new federal capital territory in 1991. Successive local governments have provided services piecemeal, often just before elections, leaving communities like Tungan Ashere without basic services like running water, paved roads, grid electricity, and reliable Internet.

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Nigeria has made significant efforts to curb cybercrimes, but the issue remains a major concern. The country is ranked 43 among nations that commit cybercrime in the world.

Cybersecurity measures are crucial to prevent financial scams and fraud. The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has urged organisations to take cybersecurity seriously, especially with the spike in cybercrime in August 2021.

71% of Nigerian businesses were exposed to ransomware attacks in the first quarter of 2021. This highlights the need for robust cybersecurity measures to protect against such threats.

Strong and unique passwords are key to preventing cyber attacks on every account. Employees should use multi-factor authentication (2FA) to protect against ransomware attacks. Regular system backups are also essential.

The federal government has designed a cybersecurity toolkit for over 41 million Micro, Small, and Medium Business Enterprises (MSMEs) to protect their online activities. This initiative is part of the government's efforts to provide a crime-free cyber space for internet users.

Here are some top cybersecurity firms in Nigeria:

The Nigerian Communications Commission's Computer Security Incident Response Team (NCC-CSIRT) plays a crucial role in monitoring and responding to cybersecurity threats.

The internet infrastructure in Nigeria has grown significantly over the years, with the number of internet users increasing from just 150,000 in 2000 to over 103 million in 2020.

One of the key drivers of this growth has been the expansion of mobile networks, with over 90% of internet users in Nigeria accessing the internet through their mobile phones.

The country has also seen a significant increase in the number of internet exchanges, with over 20 internet exchanges currently operating in Nigeria, including the Nigerian Internet Exchange (IXP).

Nigeria's internet infrastructure is also being driven by the government's efforts to develop the country's digital economy, with initiatives such as the National Broadband Plan aiming to increase internet penetration to 30% of the population by 2025.

The country's internet infrastructure is still facing challenges, including a lack of fibre optic cables and high costs of internet services, but overall, the growth of internet infrastructure in Nigeria is a positive trend.

In Nigeria, mobile internet coverage is a mixed bag, with some providers offering stronger signals in cities while others struggle in rural areas. MTN has the strongest coverage, especially in cities.

A recent Nigerian Mobile Quality Report highlights the varying strengths of different providers. Here's a breakdown of the current state of mobile internet coverage in Nigeria:

MTN Nigeria is generally the best choice for optimal mobile internet experience due to its extensive coverage and reliable service. However, Airtel Nigeria offers competitive pricing and is also a strong contender, especially in urban areas.

The average download speed in Nigeria is 21.96Mbps, while the average upload speed is 11.18Mbps, and the latency is 30ms. This puts Nigeria at 92nd in the world for mobile speeds and 132nd for fixed broadband speeds.

Maintaining a connection is crucial when visiting Nigeria. The primary tourist mobile internet connectivity options are Nigeria SIM Card, Nigeria eSIM, Roaming with Nigeria Operators, Public WiFi, and Pocket WiFi.

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A local SIM card and eSIM are essential for tourists, providing a cost-effective connection option with a lot of data for your money. The ideal choice is to use an eSIM if your phone is compatible with them, as they are simple to activate, don't require a physical card, and can be set up online in advance of your trip.

Nigeria SIM Card is a popular option, with prices ranging from $5-20 for a starter pack plus data top-ups. You can purchase a physical SIM card at airports, phone stores, or convenience stores. However, it requires a physical visit to purchase and activate, and the registration process can be limited.

Fiber optic broadband is the fastest and most reliable broadband internet technology available in Nigeria, offering superior speed, low latency, and high reliability. However, it has limited availability in all parts of Nigeria, and installation costs can be high.

For mobile internet, data SIM cards from major operators like Airtel, Glo, and MTN are a reliable option. They offer various data plans, with prices ranging from $2.17 to $6.51 for 1.5 GB to 14 GB of data for 30 days. It's worth noting that prices may vary, and it's always best to contact the operator for the latest information.

The table below shows a comparison of data SIM card plans from major operators:

Note: Prices may vary, and it's always best to contact the operator for the latest information.

In Nigeria, social media is a popular way to connect with others and stay informed. Facebook subscriptions in West African countries, including Nigeria, reached 2024 million subscribers as of April 2024.

The most used social media platforms in Nigeria in the 3rd quarter of 2024 were likely Facebook, given its large user base. However, I don't have specific data on the ranking of social media platforms in Nigeria.

Nigerians are also active on YouTube, with a forecasted 13.8 million users by 2025. This is a significant increase from 2017, when there were only 0.5 million users.

In Nigeria, social media is a big deal. Facebook subscriptions in West African countries are projected to reach a significant number by 2024.

The most used social media platforms in Nigeria in Q3 2024 are likely to be dominated by a few key players. According to the data, the leading social media platforms in Nigeria Q3 2024 will be the most used.

By 2025, the social media ad-audience in Nigeria will be distributed across different age groups and genders. The distribution of social media ad-audience in Nigeria 2025, by age and gender, will be a critical factor for advertisers.

The number of YouTube users in Nigeria is forecasted to grow significantly from 2017 to 2025. YouTube users in Nigeria 2017-2025 will reach a substantial number by 2025.

The number of WhatsApp users in Nigeria is expected to increase steadily from 2020 to 2029. WhatsApp users in Nigeria 2020-2029 will reach a massive number by 2029.

Instagram users in Nigeria are projected to grow from 2019 to 2028. The number of Instagram users in Nigeria 2019-2028 will be substantial by 2028.

Here's a snapshot of the projected number of social media users in Nigeria:

E-commerce in Nigeria is on the rise, with an estimated 1.3 million digital shoppers in 2020, a number expected to grow to 4.8 million by 2024. This growth is driven by increasing internet penetration and a growing middle class.

The e-commerce market in Nigeria is expected to reach $11.2 billion by 2024, with the majority of spending coming from the consumer goods category. This category is expected to account for $4.8 billion of the total e-commerce spending in 2024.

In 2023, the e-commerce spending growth in Nigeria was highest in the consumer goods category, with a growth rate of 23.1%. The clothing and accessories category also saw significant growth, with a rate of 17.5%.

The revenue per user of e-commerce in Nigeria is expected to grow from $21 in 2017 to $43 by 2029, indicating a growing trend of online shopping in the country.

Here are the top 5 most popular shopping apps in Nigeria in 2021, based on the number of downloads:

In Nigeria, having the right equipment is crucial for a smooth broadband internet experience. You'll need a modem, which acts as a bridge between your home network and the ISP's network.

A modem receives the internet signal from the ISP and converts it into a format compatible with your devices. You'll also need a router, which is the central control point for your Wi-Fi network.

The router receives the internet signal from your modem, distributes it to your connected devices via Wi-Fi or wired ethernet connections, and manages network traffic. This is why having a good router is essential for a stable and fast internet connection.

If you're setting up your broadband internet for the first time, you may have two options: DIY installation or professional setup. Some ISPs offer self-installation kits that include easy-to-follow instructions and preconfigured equipment.

However, if you prefer a hassle-free experience or encounter technical difficulties during DIY setup, opting for professional installation from your ISP is recommended. A qualified technician can ensure proper equipment configuration and optimal performance for your broadband internet connection.

There are also some common issues that can cause slow broadband internet in Nigeria, such as limited infrastructure, network congestion, outdated equipment, interference, and ISP issues.

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