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These days we spend most of our time on the internet scrolling through social media, watching videos, streaming music, shopping and a whole lot more. But doing this requires the use of a lot of data to stay online and connected which may cost a fortune for those who can't afford it.

On Thursday, December 10, 2020, the federal government of Nigeria said it has reduced its internet data price by more than 50 percent.

Communications and digital economy minister Isa Ibrahim Pantami announced that the slashed data prices came to effect since November 2020.

“The average cost of 1GB of data has reduced from the January 2020 cost of N1,000 to N487.18 in November 2020,” Pantami said in a statement by his technical aide Femi Adeluyi.

He stated that the new internet data prices were a fortitude from a government committee inaugurated on December 16, 2020, to strengthen the NNBP (Nigerian National Broadband Plan). The plan was unveiled and launched by President Muhammadu Buhari.

“One of the goals of the Plan is to reduce the average cost of 1GB of data to a maximum of N390 by 2025,” Pantami said.

With the January 2020 baseline of N1,000 per GB, the maximum projected steady decrease for the end of each year was as follows: 2020 (N925), 2021 (N850), 2022 (N775), 2023 (N700), 2024 (N545) and 2025 (N390). Based on the NCC report, the average cost of data as of November 2020 was N487.18, which amounts to 47.33% lower than the projected value. The report also shows that the cost of data in November 2020 was less than 50% of the cost of data in January 2020.

Pantami assured consumers that “Policies are in place to ensure that operators adopt competitive pricing that eschews unjustifiable margins.

“The general public may also wish to note that complaints about rapid data depletion are also being investigated.”

He said the communications and digital economy ministry through the NCC, will ensure that consumers enjoy a price regime that supports fairness and friendly to consumers.

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