Nigeria's internet consumption has surpassed 1 million terabytes for the first time, marking a significant milestone in the country's digital landscape. According to data from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the country's internet consumption reached 1 million terabytes in January 2025, a notable achievement since the NCC began tracking data usage in January 2023.

However, despite this historic milestone, data consumption in January 2025 totaled 27,475 terabytes, a sharp decline from 94,502 terabytes recorded in December 2024. This decline raises concerns about the impact of recent data tariff hikes by telecom operators on internet usage.

To put this into perspective, 1 terabyte (TB) is equivalent to 1,000 gigabytes (GB) or 1,000,000 megabytes (MB). This scale is typically used by telecom providers to track high data usage, particularly among businesses, streamers, and gamers. The dip in monthly data consumption could signal challenges for telecom operators like MTN Nigeria and Airtel Nigeria, which recently increased data tariffs by 50%.

Higher prices may discourage users from consuming as much data as before, potentially impacting revenue growth. This is a significant concern, especially considering the importance of internet connectivity in today's digital economy. Despite this, MTN and Airtel recorded significant internet subscriber gains in January 2025. MTN added 1.4 million new users, raising its total internet subscriber base to 73.7 million. Airtel followed closely, gaining 1.08 million subscribers to reach 48.4 million.

On the other hand, Globacom continues to struggle after a regulatory audit in April 2024 led to a significant reduction in its subscriber base. It added only 313,939 users in January 2025, while 9mobile failed to gain any new subscribers. This highlights the intense competition in Nigeria's telecom market, where operators are constantly vying for market share.

The implications of Nigeria's internet consumption surpassing 1 million terabytes are far-reaching. It underscores the country's increasing reliance on digital connectivity and the rising demand for internet services. As the country continues to grow its digital infrastructure, it will be crucial to monitor the impact of data tariff hikes on internet usage and ensure that access to affordable internet services remains a priority.

In conclusion, Nigeria's internet consumption milestone is a significant achievement, but the decline in monthly data usage raises important questions about the sustainability of the country's digital growth. As the telecom industry continues to evolve, it will be essential to strike a balance between revenue growth and affordable internet access for all Nigerians.