As a result of continuous advancement in information and communication technologies in recent times, there have been increased questions as to the number of internet users in different parts of the world, Nigeria inclusive.
These questions arose not only out of the benefits of these technologies to people but also out of the problems and challenges they bring. For instance, while the internet can serve as a learning tool to students in higher institutions, it can also serve as a form of distraction to their learning process and negatively impact their overall performance.
Although the number of internet users in Nigeria might not in anyway be related to the positive or negative effect it has on them, it is still important to know these numbers for record purposes. This is what we’ll be doing in this article. To provide more information on the number of internet users in Nigeria.
Number of internet users in Nigeria
A study by DataReportal shows that there are around 122.5 million people who use the internet in Nigeria as at 2023, with the rate of internet penetration standing at 55.4% of the total population of the country. This figure is a 2.4% increase compared to the figure recorded for internet users in Nigeria in 2022 whiich was 119.6 million.
However, the number of cellular phone connections in Nigeria seems to be more than that of internet users in the country.
In a study carried out by GSMA Intelligence, it was revealed that there are around 139.9 million cellular phone connections in Nigeria. This is a bit high compared to the number of people who use the internet which are around 122.5 million.
This difference between internet users and cellular phone connections in Nigeria can be attributed to the fact that there are internet users in Nigeria who use more than one cellular phone connection in the country.
Number of internet users by region in Nigeria
Here’s an estimated rundown of the number of internet users by region in Nigeria according to a research carried out by the National Bureau of Statistics:
North East Region
There are an estimated total of 15.4 million internet users in the North East region in Nigeria. Here’s their breakdown:
- Adamawa State has 2.89 million internet users
- Bauchi State has 3.15 million internet users
- Borno State has 2.82 million internet users
- Gombe State has 1.95 million internet users
- Taraba State has 2.28 million internet users
- Yobe State has 1.95 million internet users
North West Region
There are an estimated total of 28.12 million internet users in the North West region in Nigeria. Here’s their breakdown:
- Kaduna State has 7.05 million internet users
- Kastina State has 4.24 million internet users
- Kano State has 8.47 million internet users
- Kebbi State has 2.24 million internet users
- Sokoto State has 2.28 million internet users
- Jigawa State has 2 million internet users
- Zamfara State has 1.84 million internet users
North Central Region
There are an estimated total of 29.62 internet users in the North Central region in Nigeria. Here’s their breakdown:
- Benue State has 3.91 million internet users
- Kogi State has 3.29 million internet users
- Kwara State has 3.61 million internet users
- Nasarawa State has 3.22 million
- Niger State has 5.09 million
- Plateau State has 3.14 million internet users
- The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja has 7.36 million internet users
South East Region
There are an estimated total of 14.63 million internet users in the South East region in Nigeria. Here’s their breakdown:
- Abia State has 2.74 million internet users
- Anambra State has 4.21 million internet users
- Ebonyi State has 1.27 million internet users
- Enugu State has 3.14 million internet users
- Imo State has 3.27 million internet users
South West Region
There are an estimated total of 44.8 million internet users in the South West region in Nigeria. Here’s their breakdown:
- Ekiti State has 1.48 million internet users
- Lagos State 18.70 million internet users
- Ogun State has 9.21 million internet users
- Ondo State has 3.52 million internet users
- Osun State has 3.72 million internet users
- Ọyo State has 8.17 million internet users
South South Region
There are an estimated total of 22.51 million internet users in the South South region in Nigeria. Here’s their breakdown:
- Akwa Ibom State has 2.71 million internet users
- Bayelsa State has 1.10 million internet users
- Cross River State has 2.04 million internet users
- Delta State has 5.66 million internet users
- Edo State has 5.53 million internet users
- Rivers State has 5.47 million internet users
Number of internet users by age in Nigeria
Specific data on internet usage by age group in Nigeria is limited. However, studies indicate that younger individuals, particularly those aged 22 to 28, are more active internet users (ResearchGate). This trend suggests that internet usage is more prevalent among younger demographics.
Number of internet users by gender in Nigeria
There is a gender disparity in internet usage in Nigeria. As of Q3 2023, men accounted for over 58% of social media users, while women represented approximately 41.7% (Statista).
Additionally, over 50% of women in Nigeria lack access to the internet, highlighting significant gender-based disparities in digital connectivity (LSE Blog).
These statistics underscore the need for targeted initiatives to bridge the digital divide, ensuring equitable internet access across different age groups and between genders in Nigeria.
FAQs
1. How many active internet users are there in Nigeria?
As of December 2024, Nigeria had approximately 139.2 million active internet users, a decline from 163.8 million in December 2023 (Techpoint Africa).
2. How much is 1GB of data in Nigeria?
The cost of 1GB of data in Nigeria varies by provider and region. As of 2024, data prices continue to fluctuate, and more affordable plans have been introduced to boost accessibility (Cable.co.uk).
3. How much time do Nigerians spend online?
On average, Nigerians spend over four hours daily online, with significant time spent on social media, messaging apps, and streaming platforms (DataReportal).
4. Which network has the highest users in Nigeria?
MTN Nigeria remains the leading telecom provider, with over 87.4 million subscribers as of Q3 2024, followed by Globacom, Airtel, and 9mobile (NCC).
5. What is the ranking of internet in Nigeria?
Nigeria’s median mobile internet speed is 26.48 Mbps, while the fixed broadband speed is 19.15 Mbps, placing the country among Africa’s leading internet markets but still behind global averages (DataReportal).
6. How many people are on YouTube in Nigeria?
As of early 2024, YouTube had an estimated 28.9 million users in Nigeria, making up 12.6% of the population (DataReportal).
7. Do Nigerians get paid on YouTube?
Yes, Nigerian content creators can monetize their YouTube channels through ads, memberships, Super Chat, and YouTube Premium revenue, provided they meet YouTube’s 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours requirement (YouTub–e Help).
8. What is the largest social media platform in Nigeria?
Facebook remains the largest social media platform in Nigeria, with millions of users engaging daily in posts, videos, and business promotions (DataReportal).
9. What will Nigeria’s population be in 2050?
Nigeria’s population is projected to reach over 400 million by 2050, making it the third most populous country globally after India and China (United Nations).
These insights highlight Nigeria’s growing digital economy and the increasing role of the internet in daily life.
Conclusion
Nigeria, with over 103 million internet users, is one of Africa’s largest digital markets. The country’s internet penetration continues to grow, driven by increasing smartphone adoption and affordable data plans. However, disparities exist across age and gender demographics. Younger individuals, particularly those aged 22 to 28, are the most active users, while a significant gender gap remains, with men having higher internet access than women.
Addressing these gaps through affordable internet access, digital literacy programs, and gender-inclusive policies will be crucial in ensuring equitable online participation. As Nigeria advances towards a fully digital economy, closing these digital divides will foster greater economic opportunities, innovation, and social inclusion.
