Nigeria’s mobile internet experience has taken a major leap forward, with average download speeds more than doubling over the past two years, according to recent industry reports. The rapid adoption of 4G technology has been a key driver, helping users enjoy faster streaming, smoother video calls, and more reliable mobile banking services despite soaring data demand.
Data from network analytics firm nPerf showed that average mobile download speeds reached 14.7 megabits per second (Mbps) by the last quarter of 2025, up from 7.1 Mbps in early 2023. Upload speeds saw even sharper gains, climbing to 7.28 Mbps from just 1.77 Mbps over the same period, highlighting how network performance has improved alongside growing internet use.
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) reported that mobile data consumption has surged by 140 percent between January 2023 and November 2025, rising from around 518,000 terabits to more than 1.23 million terabits. To meet this demand, operators including MTN, Airtel, and Globacom have expanded 4G coverage, invested in network upgrades, and launched infrastructure-sharing initiatives, particularly to improve connectivity in rural areas.
Despite these gains, experts caution that streaming and other high-bandwidth applications have not improved at the same pace as headline speeds. nPerf and Ookla reports show that while urban centres like Lagos and Abuja enjoy faster connections, rural areas relying on 2G and 3G networks still face slower speeds and longer page load times. Analysts say the sector will need further network densification, local content caching, and consistent service quality to fully unlock digital potential across Nigeria.
The NCC has urged telecom operators to prioritize service reliability, customer satisfaction, and wider coverage in underserved areas. With 5G gradually rolling out in major cities, Nigeria’s telecom industry faces the challenge of closing the urban-rural digital gap while sustaining the performance gains driven by 4G, ensuring all citizens can benefit from faster, more reliable mobile internet.
source: Business day