This Report Says Nigeria Has The Most Affordable Internet In Africa

As a Nigerian who lives in Nigeria and buys data in Nigeria, I have a very difficult time accepting this. The 2018 edition of the Inclusive Internet Index by The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) ranks Nigeria number one in internet affordability in Africa and 17th globally.

But while internet might be affordable in Nigeria, it’s not as inclusive (i.e. not available to everyone). Nigeria ranks fourth in Africa on the inclusive internet list, with South Africa, Morocco, and Egypt topping the continent’s list in that order. Seems about right, internet prenetration in Nigeria is at 49% or 53%, depending on who you ask.

In 2017, Nigeria became the first African country to endorse the affordable Internet initiative created by the Alliance for Affordable Internet (A4AI). It’s been a year since the endorsement of the affordable internet initiative, and the average cost of data remains the same, with the cost of broadband gulping up to 30% percent of household income. The A4AI stipulates that the cost of 1GB of Internet data should not be more than 2% of minimum wage.

Quick math: The current minimum wage in Nigeria is N18,000; 2% of that is N360. 1GB of data in Nigeria is at least N700 (from Airtel lol) which is 3.7% of the minimum wage.

So I think the EIU’s rankings will have both Nigerians and the Alliance for Affordable Internet (A4AI) – excuse the slang – shook. Especially since, the #MakeDataCheapercampaign on Twitter, calling on telcos and concerned stakeholders to reduce the cost of internet subscription, is still alive and kicking.

Of a number of the countries on the list, Nigeria has more expensive Internet access relative to minimum wage. So was it spinners at work telling them a different minimum wage? Because how did Nigeria top the ranking for affordable internet, despite not meeting the A4AI’s most basic target?