Nigeria's Internet Usage Declines by 0.82% in September

Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation and one of its most significant digital hubs, has witnessed a notable decline in internet usage for the first time in 2024. This shift, revealed in a report from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), highlights the impact of recent SIM card deactivations by major telecom operators, raising concerns about the broader implications for the country’s digital landscape.

A Surprising Drop in Data Usage

In September, Nigeria’s data usage decreased by 0.82% to 850,249.09 terabytes, down from 853,954.05 terabytes recorded in August. Although this reduction might appear marginal, it is the first time the nation’s data consumption has fallen since February 2024, breaking an upward trend that has been fueled by Nigeria’s increasing digitalization and demand for internet-based services.

The decline aligns with a dip in the mobile subscription base, following the disconnection of over 64 million SIM cards by Nigeria’s top telecommunications companies—MTN, Airtel, Globacom, and 9mobile. This disconnection was initiated as part of a regulatory effort by the NCC to improve national security and combat fraud, tying SIM card ownership to the National Identification Number (NIN) to streamline user verification.

The National Identification Number (NIN) Conundrum

Nigeria’s initiative to link SIM cards to the NIN, though aimed at enhancing security, has faced significant challenges. Many Nigerians were left scrambling to synchronize their NIN data with their mobile numbers, resulting in widespread confusion and discrepancies in identification records. The outcome: millions of Nigerians faced sudden SIM deactivations due to data mismatches between what users had provided and what was recorded in the NCC system.

These mass deactivations had an immediate impact on the subscriber base. The NCC report revealed that active subscriptions plummeted to 154.6 million in September, a sharp decline from the 219 million recorded in March. Globacom, for instance, experienced the steepest drop, losing a staggering 43 million subscribers over the period. Airtel saw a decrease from 63.3 million users in March to 53.7 million by September, while 9mobile’s user base contracted from 11.6 million to 3.6 million. Even MTN, Nigeria’s largest telecom operator, recorded a loss of 3.7 million users, bringing its subscriber base down to 78 million.

The Digital Divide and Economic Concerns

This reduction in internet usage has raised questions about the digital divide in Nigeria. With millions unable to access mobile networks or the internet, the risk of leaving portions of the population disconnected from vital information, services, and economic opportunities grows. Access to mobile and internet services is essential for modern banking, healthcare, education, and commerce—especially in a country where over 60% of people still lack access to traditional banking.

Additionally, the decrease in internet usage could have far-reaching economic impacts. Nigeria’s thriving e-commerce and digital financial services sectors heavily depend on widespread internet access. Reduced connectivity could potentially slow down digital transactions, limit business growth, and decrease the reach of online services, affecting both businesses and consumers.

Security vs. Accessibility: Striking a Balance

The NIN-SIM linkage initiative, although well-intentioned, has led to unintended consequences by significantly reducing access to internet and mobile services. For Nigeria, striking a balance between security and accessibility is crucial. While tighter identification controls are necessary to prevent fraud and enhance security, the process must be seamless and user-friendly to avoid alienating large portions of the population.

The NCC and telecom operators now face the task of improving the NIN-SIM linkage process to restore lost subscribers and reconnect Nigerians who have been left out of the digital network. Streamlining the process and resolving the discrepancies in NIN data could help rebuild the country’s subscriber base, boost internet usage, and prevent future declines.

Moving Forward

As Nigeria works to restore and expand its mobile user base, the recent dip in internet usage highlights the need for a more robust approach to regulatory changes. With digital services playing a key role in Nigeria’s economy and society, prioritizing accessibility while ensuring security will be essential to keeping Nigeria on the path toward a digitally inclusive future.