INTERNET PENETRATION - Nigeria Top Three in Global Online Search

Over the years Internet penetration has greatly improved across the developing countries of the world especially Nigeria which now has over 92 million internet users. Finding information online has become a common practice as people comfortably search for information using web search engines, especially Google and get relevant search results that answers their questions and further provides them insight to related articles, events, photos, news and even map locations. Thanks to Google Map Local Guides like myself who diligently contribute to improve the map by sharing knowledge of the local environment.

The mobile internet revolution has made it possible for people even in the rural areas to have access to internet on their mobile devices. During my University days, precisely in the year 2008, I carried out a questionnaire research on the topic: "How Effectively Do You Utilize Your Mobile Phones For Internet Access", the responses were amazing as people were already exploring and taking advantage of the mobile data service that was available as at then which was only GPRS, they looked forward to improved internet speed and better browser experience on mobile devices close to what is obtainable on the computers. Ten years down the line there has been tremendous improvements and we now have 4G LTE fast internet access, even though the cost is still generally on the high side and more telecom infrastructure needs to be put in place to get more areas covered.

I am not surprised that Nigeria has just been ranked top three in global online search by Google! The culture has been there over the years, today e-commerce has gained grounds, local mobile Apps are being developed, and of course Social Media has been a catalyst to it all! A recent research conducted by Google has showed a rapid increase in online search among Nigerians. The research study which ranked Nigeria among the top three countries of the world that spend quality time online in search of various goods and services, disclosed that Nigerians’ passion to go online is highest among Africa countries, surpassing South Africa and Kenya, and among top three countries globally.