Taming the Data Demon: Why Affordable Internet Matters
By Aromaradu Salahudeen,
Hardly does a Nigerian exist today without a mobile phone. An overwhelming proportion of the population has graduated from basic mobile phones to smartphones. A smartphone is a mobile device that combines the functions of a traditional telephone with advanced computing capabilities such as internet access, social networking, online learning, digital banking, and multimedia entertainment.
Today, the smartphone is not merely a communication tool; it has become an essential part of daily life and is often regarded as a personal accessory Nigerians rarely leave home without.
The truth is that the benefits smartphones far outweigh their challenges. They have revolutionized communication by connecting people across geographical boundaries. From enhancing social interactions to facilitating education, business transactions, entertainment, healthcare services, and access to information, smartphones have transformed the way people live and work. In many respects, they have become indispensable tools in the modern world.
More specifically, smartphones have become trusted companions to millions of Nigerians. Many people can remain indoors for hours or even days without feeling isolated because their phones keep them connected to family, friends, colleagues, and the wider society. Thanks to advances in digital technology, one can communicate instantly with a friend living thousands of kilometres away, regardless of the distance or travel time required to reach such a destination physically. Social media platforms have further expanded human interaction, creating communities that transcend national borders and cultural differences.
However, enjoying these benefits comes at a cost. Internet data is the fuel that powers smartphone connectivity. Without data, many of the features that make smartphones valuable become inaccessible. Unfortunately, many Nigerians spend a significant portion of their income on data subscriptions. In some cases, people prioritize purchasing data over other pressing needs. The situation can best be described as a painful pleasure. Despite economic hardship, rising inflation, and declining purchasing power, many citizens continue to devote scarce resources to staying connected. Some even resort to borrowing money or taking data loans simply to remain active online.
Recent adjustments in telecommunications tariffs have further intensified public concerns about data affordability. While service providers argue that rising operational costs justify price increases, consumers complain that data bundles are exhausted far too quickly. The average Nigerian worker earning the national minimum wage of ₦70,000 per month must carefully budget to meet essential needs such as food, transportation, housing, healthcare, and communication. In such circumstances, frequent expenditure on data places additional pressure on already strained household finances.
As if the burden were not already heavy enough, Punch newspapers captured a recent recommendations by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which have generated fresh concerns among Nigerians. As part of measures aimed at expanding government revenue, the IMF reportedly suggested the introduction of excise duties on telecommunications services and the extension of certain taxes to fuel products. Although these proposals remain recommendations and not government policy, they have sparked debates about the possible consequences for ordinary citizens. Should such measures eventually be implemented without adequate safeguards, the cost of telecommunications services may rise further, potentially making internet access even less affordable for millions of Nigerians who already struggle with the rising cost of living.
Data consumption itself is driven by several factors. High-definition video streaming, automatic software updates, cloud storage synchronization, social media content, online meetings, and background applications all consume large volumes of data. Yet many users believe that their subscriptions disappear faster than expected, giving rise to widespread frustration and the perception of a “demon” that relentlessly sucks data.
This is where effective regulatory oversight becomes crucial. The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), as the regulator for telecommunications, should ensure that service providers operate fairly and in the best interests of subscribers. At the same time, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), with its broader consumer protection mandate, must continue to safeguard consumers against unfair and exploitative practices within the industry. Greater transparency in data usage reporting can be achieved through stronger collaboration between both agencies, thereby restoring public confidence in Nigeria’s telecommunications sector.
Nigerians deserve affordable access to the digital world. In the twenty-first century, internet access is increasingly viewed not merely as a luxury but as a tool for economic participation, education, innovation, and civic engagement. Governments across the world are investing in digital inclusion programmes because they recognize that connectivity contributes to national development. There is therefore a strong case for policies that make internet access more affordable, especially for students, small business owners, job seekers, and low-income households.
At a time when governments are seeking new sources of revenue, policymakers must balance fiscal objectives with the need to expand digital inclusion. Tax policies that inadvertently increase the cost of connectivity may undermine efforts to build a knowledge-based economy, reduce unemployment, promote entrepreneurship, and bridge the digital divide. The digital economy thrives when citizens can access information and opportunities without excessive financial barriers.
In a country where millions struggle daily to make ends meet, policymakers must be proactive. Affordable data can enhance productivity, support entrepreneurship, promote digital literacy, and strengthen social cohesion. The reality is that connectivity helps Nigerians feel informed, secure, engaged, and socially connected. The demon that sucks data must be confronted through effective regulation, fair pricing, consumer protection measures, and policies that prioritize affordable access to digital services. Only then can every Nigerian enjoy safe, reliable, and affordable access to the opportunities of the digital age.
