Nigeria’s technology sector recorded strong growth in the first quarter of 2026, showing the role of digital services in the economy of the country.
According to the latest Gross Domestic Product (GDP) report released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the telecommunications and information services sector contributed ₦7.97 trillion to the economy in Q1 2026. The sector also recorded a 12.24% growth rate, making it the fastest-growing major services sector during the quarter.
The growth shows the high demand of digital services such as mobile networks, online payments and digital banking amongst Nigerians for everyday activities and business.
Despite this growth, technology failed to become one of the biggest contributors to Nigeria’s GDP.
Trade contributed ₦20.16 trillion, while real estate added ₦18.76 trillion, making both sectors far larger than telecommunications and information services.
The difference in contribution explains why technology did not dominate economic activity in Q1 2026. Although the sector expanded quickly, trade and real estate continued to contribute more because of their larger size.The report also showed that financial institutions grew by 8.4% in the first quarter, reflecting continued growth in digital banking, online payments and other financial services.
The report also showed that financial institutions grew by 8.4% in the first quarter, reflecting continued growth in digital banking, online payments and other financial services.
Compared to previous years, the services sector recorded a slight increase, accounting for 57.73% of GDP in Q1 2026, up from 57.50% in Q1 2025 and 56.84% in Q1 2024.
Although digital services recorded strong growth in the first quarter, the Q1 2026 figures show that technology is still growing from a smaller base compared to larger sectors of Nigeria’s economy.
