Nigerians are spending more on mobile data, helping MTN Nigeria deliver nearly N3 trillion in revenue in the first half of 2026, underscoring how internet connectivity has become an essential service, despite rising living costs and continued pressure on household incomes.
The country’s largest telecommunications operator on Thursday reported revenue of N2.99 trillion for the six months ended June 30, 2026, a 25.9 percent increase from N2.38 trillion recorded in the corresponding period last year. Service revenue also climbed 25.9 percent to N2.97 trillion, driven primarily by surging demand for data services.
The performance comes at a time when many Nigerian households continue to grapple with inflation and high living costs, suggesting that internet access is increasingly viewed as a necessity for work, education, entertainment, banking and commerce.
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The strongest driver of MTN’s earnings was its data business.
