GSMA Reports Nigeria's Mobile Internet Usage Gap at 140M

According to the GSM Association (GSMA) in its State of Mobile Internet Connectivity 2026 report, Nigeria accounted for approximately 140 million people in the mobile internet usage gap in 2025. This figure represents Nigerians who lived within the footprint of mobile broadband networks but did not utilize mobile internet services.

The report indicates that while 3.1 billion people globally lived within mobile broadband coverage without using mobile internet, Nigeria's usage gap was comparable to Pakistan's 140 million. In contrast, India and China recorded larger gaps of 710 million and 200 million, respectively.

The GSMA's 2025 Consumer Survey revealed a significant disparity in mobile internet adoption between urban (97% awareness) and rural (86% awareness) Nigerians. Barriers to greater mobile internet use included safety and security concerns, affordability, and the quality of connectivity.

The increase from 120 million in 2023 to 140 million in 2025 illustrates a widening divide between mobile broadband coverage and actual internet use in Nigeria.