Smartphone ownership in Nigeria jumps to 75% as digital services expand
Nigeria’s smartphone ownership has risen to 75% in 2025, up from 64% in 2023, according to a KPMG study done with Orange Group Nigeria that surveyed 13,251 people in 12 major cities. The same report notes that as of May 2026 the country had 157 million internet subscribers and data consumption exceeded 1.5 million terabytes, reflecting deeper digital activity in finance, commerce, education, entertainment and transport. Despite the growth, more than a third of mobile subscribers remained on 2G networks in May 2026, and GSMA data shows about 140 million Nigerians live within mobile broadband coverage but do not use mobile internet—a usage gap that limits the full economic potential of device ownership. For businesses and developers, the expanding smartphone base means a larger ready‑made audience for mobile apps and services, but success will depend on addressing connectivity quality, affordability and digital literacy. Policymakers should prioritize upgrading 2G infrastructure and expanding affordable data plans to convert device ownership into productive internet use.