Nigeria has been recognized as a global leader in affordable mobile data costs, according to a report by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) and the Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA).
The report, titled “The Role of Mobile Technology in Driving Digital Economy in Nigeria,” reveals that Nigeria offers an average data cost of $0.38 per gigabyte, making it the lowest in West Africa and one of the most affordable worldwide.
Comparative Costs:
Nigeria: $0.38 per gigabyte
Kenya: $0.59 per gigabyte
Ethiopia: $0.68 per gigabyte
South Africa: $1.77 per gigabyte
United States: $6 per gigabyte
The ITU emphasized that Nigeria’s affordable data pricing, at a small percentage of the Gross National Income (GNI) per capita, underscores its competitiveness within Africa and beyond.
Despite the cost-friendly rates, Nigerian telecom operators face operational challenges due to inflation, currency devaluation, and rising costs.
MTN Nigeria’s CEO, Dr. Karl Toriola, highlighted these difficulties, describing 2024 as a “torrid year” for the telecom industry. He noted that operational costs now exceed revenue for many operators, necessitating a tariff adjustment.
Telecom operators are advocating for moderate tariff increases to sustain operations and maintain service quality. Dr. Toriola explained that the adjustments would enable reinvestment in infrastructure, including alternative power sources and network resilience.
The Federal Government has acknowledged the necessity of tariff adjustments, assuring Nigerians that any increases will remain moderate and far below the 100% hike proposed by telecom companies.
As discussions continue, stakeholders are striving to balance operational sustainability with consumer affordability. The goal is to ensure that Nigeria’s digital economy thrives while remaining accessible to all citizens.
This recognition of Nigeria’s leadership in affordable mobile data costs highlights the country’s growing influence in the digital economy, even as the industry navigates economic headwinds.
