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Nigeria’s leading telecom operators, MTN Nigeria and Airtel Nigeria, have reported record-breaking data revenues for the second quarter of 2025, reflecting a dramatic shift in consumer behavior where mobile connectivity is increasingly prioritized over basic essentials. According to their latest financial disclosures, MTN posted an 85.6 percent year-on-year surge in data revenue to ₦701 billion, while Airtel recorded a 60.3 percent increase, reaching ₦260 billion. The combined voice and data revenue for both companies in H1 2025 crossed ₦2.53 trillion, underscoring the centrality of internet access in daily life.
This surge in data consumption comes despite recent tariff hikes and economic pressures, highlighting the growing importance of digital access for communication, entertainment, work, and social engagement.
Key Highlights From Q2 2025
- MTN Nigeria’s data revenue rose to ₦701 billion, up from ₦377 billion in Q2 2024
- Airtel Nigeria’s data earnings reached ₦260 billion, compared to ₦185.4 billion in the same period last year
- Nigerians consumed 1.04 million terabytes of data in May 2025 alone, the highest monthly figure since January 2023
- MTN reported a 41.2 percent increase in total data traffic, with average usage per subscriber rising to 13.2GB per month
- Airtel saw a 27.3 percent increase in average data usage per customer, reaching 9.3GB monthly
Changing Consumer Behavior and Digital Priorities
The data boom is driven by a mobile-first population increasingly reliant on internet access for everyday activities. Social media, streaming platforms, remote work, and cloud-based tools have become integral to Nigerian lifestyles.
1. Entertainment and Social Media
- Platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube are major contributors to rising data usage
- Short-form video content, often streamed in high definition, consumes significant bandwidth
2. Communication Shift
- Traditional voice calls are being replaced by WhatsApp calls, Zoom meetings, and voice notes
- Many users now rely entirely on data for both personal and professional communication
3. Economic Trade-Offs
- Analysts note that for many Nigerians, mobile data is seen as a non-negotiable expense
- Some users prioritize data recharge over food or other essentials to stay connected and seek opportunities
Infrastructure Investments and Network Expansion
To meet the surging demand, both MTN and Airtel are ramping up infrastructure investments aimed at improving service quality and expanding coverage.
- MTN Nigeria invested ₦565.7 billion in capital expenditure during H1 2025, a 288.4 percent increase year-on-year
- The funds are being used to expand 4G coverage, enhance fibre connectivity, and build a new data centre
- Airtel Nigeria reported $39 million in capital expenditure for Q2 2025, up slightly from $38 million in Q2 2024
- Airtel is also positioning its network to leverage the 2Africa submarine cable system for enhanced international bandwidth
Market Outlook and Strategic Implications
The telecom sector is poised for continued growth as digital habits evolve and demand for high-speed connectivity intensifies:
- Smartphone penetration has reached 51.4 percent, with average usage among smartphone users climbing to 11.8GB per month
- Operators are expected to accelerate 5G deployment and rural network expansion
- The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) continues to monitor data trends and support infrastructure development
Conclusion
MTN and Airtel’s multi-trillion naira data revenue in Q2 2025 reflects a profound shift in Nigeria’s digital landscape. As mobile internet becomes an essential utility, telecom operators are investing heavily to meet demand and improve service delivery. For millions of Nigerians, connectivity is no longer a luxury—it is a lifeline. The industry’s growth trajectory suggests that data will remain central to economic participation, social interaction, and personal empowerment in the years ahead.
Sources: BizWatch Nigeria, Nairametrics, Govima News
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