By Chiagoziem Abosi
For students in UNILAG or traders in Ikeja’s Computer Village, mobile data is not a luxury. It is a lifeline. Yet, despite being Africa’s biggest telecoms market, Nigerians pay some of the highest data costs on the continent.
“I spend at least ₦15,000 every month on data, and it still disappears like puff-puff,” lamented Tola, a fashion designer who promotes her work on Instagram.
The Price of Connection
Official figures show Nigeria’s average 1GB of data costs around $0.84 (about ₦1,400). But many Lagosians argue that “hidden charges” and poor service quality make it feel like much more.
“You buy 20GB, before you know it, three weeks don finish am, even if you never stream one movie,” said Ayodele, a student preparing for online exams in Ikeja.
Telecom operators like MTN and Airtel insist they are investing in infrastructure to improve speed and coverage. Still, subscribers remain unconvinced.
Why Ikeja Feels It Harder
In Ikeja, home to one of the country’s largest clusters of tech workers and SMEs, the frustration cuts deep. Entrepreneurs say unstable internet cripples their businesses.
“If NEPA takes light and network still bad, how are we supposed to compete globally?” asked Aishat, who runs a small IT consulting firm off Obafemi Awolowo Way.
Searching for Solutions
Experts suggest that beyond blaming telcos, Nigeria needs policies that encourage more broadband infrastructure and competition.
Until then, ordinary Lagosians are left juggling between networks, Wi-Fi hacks, and endless complaints.
Over to you, Ikeja. Do you think Nigerian data is overpriced, or is it just poor management of usage? Share your experience with us.
