In today’s increasingly digital world, internet access is no longer a luxury, but a necessity. Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, is experiencing a surge in internet users, and understanding which states are leading the way can offer valuable insights into the country’s digital development.
Nigeria’s digital landscape is witnessing significant growth, with more citizens gaining access to the internet. This surge is driven by improved telecommunications infrastructure, affordable mobile devices, and a growing awareness of the internet’s potential amongst the population.
As of the fourth quarter of 2023, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reported that internet subscriptions in the country stood at a staggering 163.8 million. While this represents a significant national achievement, the distribution of these users across different states highlights intriguing regional trends.
According to a report released last year, the number of internet users in Nigeria saw a significant increase. Compared to 2021’s figure of 141.9 million, internet users grew to approximately 154.8 million in 2022. This represents a growth of 1.35% on a year-to-year basis and a 9.07% increase in internet subscriptions over the same period. Furthermore, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) noted a 1.35% growth in internet users on a quarter-to-quarter basis.
This article discusses the top 10 states boasting the highest number of internet users, based on the latest data from the National Bureau of Statistics (Q4 2023).
[10] Rounding out the list at number 10 is Delta State with 4.4 million internet users.
[9] Moving up the ladder, Katsina State in the north claims the ninth position with 4.6 million users.
[8] Further north, Adamawa State stands out in eighth position with 5.4 million users.
[7] Shifting south, Rivers State, with its capital in Port Harcourt, occupies the seventh position with 5.6 million users.
[6] The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) housing the capital city, Abuja is at number 6 with 5.8 million users.
[5] Kaduna State in the north makes its mark at number five with 7.4 million users.
[4] Oyo State, known for its cultural heritage, occupies the fourth position with 8.4 million users.
[5] Kano, one of the largest cities in the north, takes the third spot with a staggering 9 million users.
[2] Following closely behind in the second position is Ogun State with 9.5 million users.
[1] Finally, topping the chart with a remarkable 18.9 million users is Lagos, the commercial hub of Nigeria.
Conclusion
While this article unveils the top 10 states with the highest number of internet users in Nigeria based on the latest NBS data (Q4 2023), it is important to remember that raw numbers only tell part of the story. To gain a deeper understanding of the digital landscape, we must also explore other relevant factors.
One such factor is the internet penetration rate, which reveals the percentage of a state’s population with internet access. This metric provides a more nuanced comparison than absolute user numbers, offering a clearer picture of how deeply internet accessibility has permeated individual states.
Another crucial aspect to consider is the urban-rural divide. Despite the overall increase in internet users, access remains predominantly concentrated in urban areas. This highlights the need for targeted efforts to bridge the digital gap between urban and rural communities. Equitable access to the internet is essential for ensuring that all Nigerians, regardless of location, can benefit from the opportunities and resources it offers.
