Despite expanding mobile network coverage across Nigeria, 72% of Nigerian adults still do not own smartphones, cutting them off from essential internet-based services, according to a new survey.
The study, conducted by Research ICT Africa (RIA) under the After Access 2022–2023: Nigeria project, finds that although mobile phone ownership is widespread, most Nigerians continue to rely on basic or feature phones with limited or no internet capabilities. This trend significantly undermines the country’s digital inclusion efforts.
“Smartphone ownership increased from 15% in 2018 to 28% in 2022. Despite being gateways to internet access, smartphone ownership remains limited, with 72% of the adult population not owning a smartphone,” the report states.
While network coverage now reaches more than 90% of Nigeria’s population, only 35% have actual internet access, highlighting the disconnect between infrastructure availability and real user connectivity, according to the authors of the report.
While network coverage now reaches more than 90% of Nigeria’s population, only 35% have actual internet access, highlighting the disconnect between infrastructure availability and real user connectivity, according to the authors of the report.
Technology Times review of official market information from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) shows that the Nigerian telecoms market accounts for 172,948,309 active phone subscriptions; 141,985,207 subscriptions to basic internet connections and 104,381,796 broadband connections reaching 48.15% penetration as of April 2025.
Affordability, education key barriers to ownership of smartphones
Meanwhile, the RIA report identifies cost and digital literacy as leading factors behind low smartphone ownership. It notes that 65% of Nigerians, particularly those with lower education levels and income, are marginalised because they cannot afford smartphones or lack the skills to use them.
“Some 65% of Nigerians – particularly those with less education and income, amongst whom women are concentrated – are currently marginalised from services because they cannot afford smart devices to access the internet, and do not have the skills to do so,” RIA reports.
The situation is even more critical in rural areas, where access to digital infrastructure and affordability challenges are compounded. People in urban areas, the report notes, are 75% more likely to use the internet than those in rural communities.
Internet access relies on smartphones
In Nigeria, smartphones remain the primary access point to the internet, used by 93% of internet users. Without them, the majority of adults remain disconnected from online education, digital banking, e-commerce, health services, and government e-services.
“Smartphones are the primary gateway to internet access,” the report states, noting that without owning one, “millions of Nigerians are excluded from digital transformation.”
Gender and financial gaps persist
The research also reveals significant gender disparities in digital access. According to the findings, men are 54% more likely to use the internet than women, reinforcing gender-based inequalities in digital participation.
“The gender gap in financial inclusion has been shrinking but remains significant, with males being much more likely to be financially included than females,” the report adds.
The research also reveals significant gender disparities in digital access. According to the findings, men are 54% more likely to use the internet than women, reinforcing gender-based inequalities in digital participation.
The financial inclusion gap is also evident, with only 47% of Nigerians owning a bank account and mobile money adoption lagging at just 1%, compared to 92% in both Kenya and Ghana.
“Financial inclusion in Nigeria is predominantly driven by access to traditional banking services,” the researchers note. “Approximately 47% of adults had access to a bank account.”
Policy recommendations to boost ownership
Although Nigeria has seen recent investments in internet infrastructure – including submarine cable deployments by Google (Equiano) and Meta (2Africa) – the report states that retail data prices remain high, mainly due to inadequate regulatory action and infrastructure shortfalls.
“Retail prices have not fallen due to inadequate regulatory actions and infrastructural challenges,” RIA states.
To close the access gap, it recommends eliminating customs and excise duties on low-cost smartphones, which could boost affordability for low-income Nigerians.
“Removing customs and excise duties on entry-level smartphones could also provide relief to price-sensitive consumers,” the report advises.
The authors call on the government to implement an integrated digital policy, prioritising foundational education, skills development, and job creation to stimulate demand for internet-enabled devices and services.
“The government needs to develop an integrated digital policy that recognises the importance of foundational education and job creation,” the report concludes.
Nigeria aims to achieve 70% broadband penetration by 2025, but the survey report places current adoption at just 32% of the adult population, reinforcing the urgent need to tackle the smartphone ownership divide affecting 72% of Nigerians.
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