• Nigeria’s broadband penetration drops to 48.01% in July 2025

• Missed interim targets threaten 70% goal under 2020–2025 plan

• High right-of-way fees, policy hurdles slow infrastructure rollout
  

Nigeria’s broadband penetration rate has declined for the second consecutive month, falling to 48.01% in July 2025, according to data from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). The decrease extends a slight drop observed in June, following a moderate increase from 48.15% in April to 48.81% in May. The number of broadband subscriptions also decreased from 105.7 million in June to approximately 104 million in July.

This decline is particularly concerning as Nigeria aims to achieve a 70% broadband penetration rate by the end of 2025, in line with its National Broadband Plan (NBP) 2020-2025. However, the country has missed its interim targets, including the goal of 50% penetration by the end of 2023, reaching only 44.43% by the end of 2024.

The delays are largely due to several major obstacles, including the high cost of right-of-way fees imposed by state governments, which hinder infrastructure deployment. To date, only seven states have eliminated these fees. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC's national coordinating committee, emphasized the need to revise state policies to create a more favorable environment for investment.

Despite the rollout of 5G, the 4G network still dominates Nigeria's mobile landscape. In early 2025, nearly 49.3% of subscriptions were connected to 4G, compared to just 3% for 5G. Data usage, however, is surging. In July, consumption reached a record 1.1 million terabytes, driven by the expansion of 4G and 5G networks.

The plan, launched in 2020 with a broadband penetration rate of 39.85%, aimed for an ambitious yet seemingly achievable goal of 70% in five years. As the deadline approaches, the recent slowdown and structural roadblocks are making the target increasingly out of reach.

This delay, amid a boom in digital usage, poses a major challenge to Nigeria's competitiveness. To avoid missing the digital economy transition, the country must remove regulatory barriers and improve coordination between the federal and state governments. Failing to do so risks widening the digital divide, which could stifle inclusion, innovation, and economic growth.

Samira Njoya