120 million Nigerians lack access to the internet due to infrastructural gaps – Report

• 120 million Nigerians lack access to the internet
• Poor infrastructure, affordability and safety concerns are among the barriers to mobile internet adoption
• Coordinated efforts among governments, mobile network operators and international organisations are needed to overcome the barriers

According to GSMA’s State of Mobile Connectivity Report 2024, half of Nigeria’s population (120 million) lacks access to mobile internet due to infrastructural gaps.

The report noted that the usage gap is still a challenge in low- and medium-income countries (LMICs) such as Nigeria. The usage gap is the population that lives within the footprint of a mobile broadband network but does not use mobile internet.

It disclosed that 3.45 billion people, representing 43 per cent of the global population, lacked access to mobile internet at the end of 2023, adding that the majority of this population is found in Sub-Suharan Africa.

GSMA stated, “The least connected region globally is Sub-Saharan Africa, where only 27 per cent of the population are using mobile internet services, leaving a 13 per cent coverage gap and a 60 per cent usage gap.”

According to the report, the usage gap in LMICs is a result of device affordability and digital skills and literacy.

It identified other barriers to mobile internet adoption including lack of relevant, localised content and services, concerns over safety and security and limited access to additional critical infrastructure and services such as electricity.

The report stated, “In these countries, entry-level internet-enabled devices cost 18 per cent of average monthly income, with this rising to 51 per cent for the world’s poorest 20 per cent.  

“In Sub-Saharan Africa, which accounts for a quarter of the global unconnected population, this rises to 99 per cent of average monthly income for the region’s poorest 20 per cent.

“Among those already using mobile internet, the most commonly reported barriers to increased usage include safety and security concerns, affordability (particularly of data but also handsets) and the connectivity experience.”

Closing the gaps to low mobile internet usage

Closing the usage gap will add an estimated $3.5 trillion to the global economy by 2030, with LMICs being the major beneficiaries, according to the report.

It also said coordinated efforts among governments, mobile network operators and international organisations are crucial to overcoming the barriers to mobile internet connectivity and adoption.

In addition, John Giusti, Chief Regulatory Officer at the GSMA, said while progress continues to be made in improving infrastructure and increasing mobile internet adoption, significant digital divides exist.

Giusti said, “Despite continued progress in expanding the reach of network infrastructure and increasing mobile internet adoption, significant digital divides remain.

“Governments, mobile operators, and international organisations must collaborate to address barriers such as affordability, digital skills, and awareness of mobile internet and the benefits it can provide. 

“This effort must also focus on investing in local, digital ecosystems and ensuring robust online safety frameworks.”

State of internet adoption and usage in Nigeria

An earlier report by GSMA on Nigeria in May 2024 noted that about 29 per cent of Nigerians (about 58 million) use the internet, while 71 per cent of Nigerians have no regular access to the internet.

It disclosed that 85 per cent of Nigerians on the mobile internet use it to make or receive video calls, 75 per cent watch free-to-access online videos while 54 per cent listen to free music online.

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) reported that mobile internet subscriptions in Nigeria reached 164.4 million as of March 2024, increasing from 163.8 million as of December 2023.

The NCC also disclosed that the broadband penetration level reached 43.53 per cent in March 2024 from 41.87 per cent in November 2023.

Home office setup: The must-have essentials for your workspace

Meanwhile, TheRadar reported that with the growing trend of remote work and freelancing, having a dedicated workspace at home has become essential for many Nigerians.

To create a comfortable and effective workspace that is not expensive or complicated, TheRadar curated a list of the essentials you need to set up a workspace at home in Nigeria and tips on how to get started.