Lagos, Ogun lead as Internet users hit 164 million

Lagos and Ogun States are propelling Nigeria’s digital growth,  the National Bureau of Statistics has stated.

According to the NBS Telecoms Data report for the first quarter of 2024, released on Monday, Lagos State leads with 18.84 million active internet subscribers, followed closely by Ogun State with 9.53 million.

The report also highlighted significant regional disparities, with other states showing varying levels of internet adoption. Kano State, for instance, recorded 9.07 million internet users.

Lagos has achieved a significant milestone in its bid to enhance digital connectivity, completing 2,700 kilometres of fibre optic infrastructure.

According to the state’s IT chief, Tumbosun Alake, this accomplishment is part of a broader strategy to encourage telecom operators to expand broadband services to underserved areas.

By 2027, Lagos aims to add 3,300 kilometres of fibre, bringing the total to 6,000 kilometres.

However, that state requires a more extensive network of 36,000 kilometres to achieve comprehensive coverage, highlighting the need for private-sector collaboration to achieve this goal.

Further, the report showed a 4.33 per cent increase in internet subscriptions to 164 million, while voice users dropped by 3 per cent to 219 million.

“The total number of active voice subscribers in Q1 2024 was 219,304,281 from the 226,161,713 reported in Q1 2023, indicating a growth rate of -3.03 per cent.

On a quarter-on-quarter basis, active voice subscribers fell by 2.41 per cent.

“Also, in Q1 2024, the total number of active internet subscribers stood at 164,368,292 from 157,551,104 reported in Q1 2023, showing an increase of 4.33 per cent. On a quarter-on-quarter basis, this grew by 0.32 per cent,” it added.

According to the bureau, Lagos State led in both categories with 25.96 million active voice subscribers and 18.84 million active internet subscribers.

It noted that MTN solidified its market lead in Q1 2024, commanding the largest share of subscriptions.

The telecom giant recorded 81.8 million voice subscribers and 69.4 million internet users. Globacom followed closely in second place, with 62.2 million voice subscribers and 44.4 million internet users.

Airtel came in third, with 63.4 million voice subscribers and 46.8 million internet users. 9mobile trailed behind, with 11.7 million voice subscribers and 3.3 million internet users.

Meanwhile, MTN Nigeria, on Saturday, announced the construction of its West African largest data centre, a facility with a 1,500-rack and Tier 4 data centre within the country.

The Chief Technical Officer of MTN, Mr Mohammed Rufai, said, “We see a high demand in the market, with data usage growing significantly.

“And to cater to the demand and prepare for future growth, MTN is expanding and modernising its data centre capacity.”