More than 20 million Nigerians remain without access to modern digital connectivity, raising concerns over deepening inequality and threats to investment in the telecom sector, according to data from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
The commission revealed that while urban internet penetration stands at 57 per cent, rural areas lag far behind at 23 per cent, leaving over 70 per cent of rural Nigerians digitally excluded.
Experts warned that shrinking urban incomes and rising taxes are already limiting telecom spending, making rural connectivity critical for industry sustainability and inclusive growth.
NCC officials said the gap undermines education, healthcare, financial inclusion and economic empowerment, despite Nigeria’s ICT Development Index improving in 2025.
To address the challenge, the commission has introduced the Nigeria Digital Connectivity Index and expanded satellite internet licensing, allowing new operators such as Amazon Kuiper and BeetleSat to operate alongside Starlink.
