Nigeria reached a major digital milestone in November 2025. The latest data from the Nigerian Communications Commission shows that internet penetration has now climbed to 50.58 percent. This represents steady growth from the 45.61 percent recorded at the start of the year. However, even with this progress, the nation remains below the seventy percent goal set by the National Broadband Plan.
Tracking Progress in 2025
The country has added nearly five percentage points to its penetration rate since January. Total broadband subscriptions now stand at approximately 109 million. While these figures show a positive trend, the journey has been difficult. Nigeria previously missed its mid-term goal of fifty percent in 2023 and ended last year at 44.43 percent.
Goals of the National Broadband Plan
The national policy established several high standards to improve digital access across the country. These targets included:
1. Reaching ninety percent of the population with effective coverage.
2. Ensuring download speeds of 25 Mbps in cities and 10 Mbps in rural areas.
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3. Keeping the cost of one gigabyte of data at or below 390 Naira.
Barriers to Faster Growth
Several issues have slowed down the expansion of high speed internet. One major problem is the frequent cutting of fiber optic cables. Reports indicate that there are between thirty and forty-three cuts every day due to construction or theft. High fees for laying cables and the rising cost of energy have also made it expensive for companies to build new infrastructure. Additionally, millions of users lost access earlier this year due to rising costs and new registration rules.
The Role of Mobile Networks
Most of the recent growth has come from mobile phone networks. The expansion of 4G services and the beginning of 5G in major cities have helped more people get online. Cheaper smartphones and competitive data plans have also played a role in bringing more Nigerians into the digital space.
Looking Toward the Future
The Nigerian Communications Commission remains focused on the seventy percent target. Even though the 2025 deadline is near, officials believe that continued investment in fiber cables and mobile towers will eventually close the gap. Moving forward, the government and private companies must work together to protect infrastructure and make internet access more affordable for everyone.
