Nigeria got the internet in 1995. Since then, the country’s internet users have risen steadily. In 2019, there were over 113 million internet users. Experts anticipate that by 2023, 9 out of 10 Nigerians would have internet connection.
Those projections were made before the COVID-19 pandemic and are no longer accurate. The COVID-19 ban clearly had a huge impact on internet use.
It compelled practically all Nigerians to remain home. This limited them access to supplies, information, education, entertainment, and even socializing. As a result, internet use soared.
Demand for internet entertainment rises
During the lockout, online entertainment providers saw massive traffic surges. In reality, Netflix had to reduce streaming quality in Europe for 30 days in March and April to keep subscribers viewing material. Netflix’s servers may have gone down if they hadn’t done this. It occurred in Nigeria. People had to stay home for days and find ways to cope. The incredible spike in popularity of online casinos and gambling sites is the finest indication of rising entertainment demand in Nigeria. The shutdown hampered Nigerians’ access to traditional games of chance. But it also widened the online casino vista.
All the games that Nigerians like are available online. Their offer is so good that many people are turning to expert casino reviews like this one to sort through the crap.
Subscribers to internet grow
The lockout also increased new internet subscribers in Nigeria. Nigeria has over 135.6 million internet users in March 2020. By May, the figure had risen to 140.7 million. This implies that during the shutdown months of April and May, about 5 million additional customers were added.
Enhanced traffic and internet speeds
Previously, Nigerians had to pay a lot for internet access and yet receive slow internet. While this remains a challenge for many Nigerians, the trend is positive. 70% of Nigerian internet traffic currently originates from local exchange points. Local exchanges mean quicker internet at reduced costs. In 2012, just 40% of Nigerian internet traffic was local. Imagine the mutiny if Nigeria were to be shut down in 2012.
Online sales skyrocketed.
Online commerce exploded in Nigeria after everyone was compelled to remain home. Nigerians were the first to smoothly convert to internet buying. Moreover, some of them regarded the lockout as a chance to start a new company, such as digital marketing. Older Nigerians have a harder time adjusting. They are more prone to online fraud, therefore navigating the e-commerce seas for them was more difficult.
Online education has a promising future.
Education was one of the most serious concerns that governments throughout the globe had to address. When the epidemic hit, schools were the first to shut, forcing Nigerian leaders and educators to act quickly.
They had little time to try out online learning and remote learning alternatives, but they did well. Most Nigerian educators immediately adopted distant learning alternatives. They also witnessed the advantages of online learning systems and would likely utilize them when schools reopen.