In recent years, Nigeria has seen an unprecedented increase in the number of internet users. However, behind this digital boom lies a question: why does such rapid development not eliminate inequality, and why do millions of Nigerians still remain outside the digital space? This issue is important not only for the future of the economy, education, and labor market, but also for social justice in a country where technology is becoming a gateway to new opportunities and information.
How access to the internet has changed over several years
Today, Nigeria ranks among the leaders in the growth rate of internet users on the African continent. According to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), more than 140 million people in the country are already connected to the internet. At the same time, in 2024, only 38% of Africa's population used the internet, while worldwide this figure reached 68%. The rapid surge was made possible by mobile phones, which have become the main means of accessing the web.
Mobile internet defines the nature of the digital era in Nigeria. In just the first months of 2025, the number of internet connections increased by 1 million, and broadband penetration approached 48%. These figures indicate that Nigerian society is becoming increasingly connected to the digital world.
Where the invisible wall of the digital divide lies
But behind the impressive figures lies a contrast between cities and villages. The digital divide refers to the difference in connectivity opportunities and technology availability between residents of developed metropolises and remote regions. It is a kind of invisible wall that separates cities, where the internet has become a routine part of life, from villages, where connectivity remains out of reach for most people.
In real life, the absence of the internet means the inability to access online education, remote work, and even basic information about health or government services. For many rural residents, this is not only a matter of convenience, but also a matter of the future.
The main obstacles to universal internet access
The expansion of the digital space faces several significant barriers:
- The cost of internet access remains too high for most families
- Modern infrastructure does not reach many remote areas
- Not everyone has sufficient digital skills and literacy
According to ITU, the average price of a mobile internet package with a 2 GB limit in 2024 was 4.2% of the Gross National Income (GNI) per capita. The term GNI refers to the total income of all citizens of the country, including income from abroad. This is almost twice the target value recommended by the UN. For comparison, VSAT is a satellite communication system that makes it possible to provide internet even in the most remote corners, but its implementation requires investment.
How the digital audience is growing
The rate of internet penetration growth in Nigeria is impressive. In the spring of 2025, the country had more than 142 million registered users. At the same time, the level of broadband penetration was 48.15%. For comparison: on average in Africa, only 38% of residents have access to the internet, while globally this figure is approaching 70%.
The growth is accelerated by the widespread adoption of mobile devices, increased competition in the market, and the launch of new infrastructure projects. However, demand is limited by high costs, lack of coverage, and insufficient knowledge about digital opportunities.
Investments and programs are expanding opportunities
To overcome the digital divide, the government and private companies have launched a number of initiatives. One of the key projects is Project 774 LG Connectivity, which is being implemented by the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy. This project uses NIGCOMSAT's VSAT satellite technologies to connect remote municipalities and make the internet more accessible.
The National Broadband Plan for 2020-2025 aims to achieve 70% penetration by 2025. International organizations such as the ITU and the Broadband Commission support infrastructure development and make recommendations to reduce service costs. As NCC representatives note, "expanding connectivity gives millions of Nigerians the chance for self-fulfillment and to find new opportunities."
How the internet opens up new prospects
A vivid example is the launch of the Dakwa Community Hub in a suburb of Abuja. This is a joint initiative of CITAD (Center for Information Technology and Development), which made it possible to provide internet access to rural residents. As a result, more than 50% of the population in this area gained access to educational and professional resources online.
However, not everyone took advantage of access to the global network professionally—some people enjoyed the abundance of online entertainment. The internet has changed daily habits, including leisure activities and online engagement.
With the increase in the number of users, many Nigerians are beginning to explore international online entertainment platforms. People register on dating sites, watch content on YouTube, and play online casinos.
An example of the growing popularity of such services can be seen in the statistics of similar sites worldwide. The authors of the Canadian site Twinspica, which publishes selections of
real money casinos, say that the increase in visits coincides with the appearance of internet providers in remote regions of the country.
This shows that the internet is becoming not only a tool for development, but also a part of everyday life. However, without basic digital literacy among Nigerians and stable network access, such opportunities remain unavailable to a significant part of the population.
CITAD conducts digital literacy courses and helps residents master electronic government services. Real success stories show that access to the internet becomes a launchpad for business development, education, and job searching.
Is special preparation needed for the digital society
In today's environment, digital literacy is becoming as important as basic literacy was in the last century. The ability to search for information, use online services, and protect one's data is a necessary condition for integration into modern society.
Special training programs are appearing in the country: from courses for children to training for the elderly. As experts say, only the widespread adoption of such initiatives makes it possible to overcome the barrier to integration and make the internet a truly widespread tool.
Nigerian experience and continental features
Compared to other African countries, Nigeria shows some of the highest growth rates in the digital sector. However, much of the success depends on the volume of investment, political stability, and the level of government regulation. For some countries in the region, a lack of infrastructure and lower penetration rates remain characteristic, which creates additional challenges for comparison.
Technological competition and the choice of standards
In most cities and settlements in Nigeria, 2G and 4G standards prevail, accounting for about 89% of all connections. This is explained by the relative affordability and reliability of older technologies, given the high cost and limited availability of new networks. Despite plans to develop 5G, for most residents of the country, fast internet still remains a prospect for the future.
What awaits internet access in the future
Today, experts differ in their opinions on whether Nigeria will be able to achieve the ambitious goal of 70% penetration by 2025. The uncertainty is related to investment, infrastructure stability, and the effectiveness of government regulation. Whether the internet will become a universal benefit or remain a privilege for part of the population—this question remains open.
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