Smartphone ownership in Nigeria reaches 75%, KPMG finds

# What the data says

# What the study measured The study looked at device ownership and how people use smartphones to access digital services. It tracked changes in ownership between 2023 and 2025, and linked device penetration to usage across sectors such as financial services, commerce, entertainment, education and transport.

# Main findings

• Usage patterns: Smartphones are being used beyond voice and messaging. People access banking, e-commerce, education and transport services through apps and web platforms.
• Network and usage figures: Active mobile internet subscriptions were 157 million in May 2026. Monthly data consumption reached about 1.5 million terabytes in that month.

# Remaining barriers to full digital access The report stresses that owning a smartphone does not guarantee quality access. KPMG flagged several limiting factors:

• Infrastructure: Poor infrastructure in parts of the country constrains reliable connectivity.
• Affordability: Device and data costs remain barriers for many households.
• Digital skills and cybersecurity concerns: Limited skills and worries about online safety reduce effective use of digital services.

# The mobile internet usage gap

# Sector implications Sectors already affected by the trend include financial services, telecommunications, commerce, entertainment, education and transportation. Increased smartphone ownership expands the potential customer base for app-based services, digital payments, online marketplaces and remote learning. However, constraints in network quality, data affordability and digital skills will influence how quickly those opportunities translate into widespread adoption and reliable service delivery.

# Numbers to watch

• Smartphone ownership: 64% (2023) → 75% (2025)
• Survey sample: 13,251 respondents across 12 cities
• Active mobile internet subscriptions: 154.3 million (April 2026) → 157 million (May 2026)
• May 2026 data consumption: ~1.5 million terabytes

• Mobile internet usage gap (2025): ~140 million people

These figures show rapid device adoption and rising data use alongside persistent gaps in quality and inclusion. The result is a mixed picture: broadened access to digital services for many, but meaningful constraints for a sizable portion of the population.