Statistics on used phone purchases in Nigeria (2025)

The smartphone market in Nigeria continues to expand rapidly, but a significant portion of this growth is now being fuelled by the second-hand and refurbished phone industry. 

Rising inflation, currency pressures, and shrinking disposable incomes have made fairly used devices the preferred choice for millions of Nigerians.

Smartphone Penetration

Nigeria is projected to hit 140 million smartphone users by the end of 2025, representing nearly 85% of the population. 

This increase is not driven by new devices alone, but heavily supported by the booming used-phone market.

The Rise of the Used-Phone Market

The weakening naira has forced middle-class buyers to adjust their preferences. 

Many who once purchased brand-new Samsung Galaxy models now turn to Chinese alternatives such as Xiaomi and OPPO, or buy second-hand devices. Street vendors at Computer Village in Lagos, the biggest hub for mobile phone trade in West Africa, confirm steady demand for refurbished iPhones and used Androids. Consumers now place more value on dual-SIM functionality and long battery life than on brand prestige.

Global Market Influence

Globally, the used smartphone industry experienced a temporary dip in 2025. Shipments fell by 2% year-on-year in Q1 2025, dropping from 27.6 million units (Q1 2024) to 27.1 million (Q1 2025). 

Analysts, however, described this as a short-term blip, stressing that long-term demand for used devices remains strong, with trade-in programmes expected to increase supply. 

Nigeria, being one of the largest secondary phone markets in Africa, reflects this global trend: demand remains robust, but supply constraints affect availability.

Local Consumer Behaviour

Nigerian buyers are increasingly budget-conscious. While iPhones and Samsungs dominate the refurbished space, new-phone purchases at the entry-level are largely driven by Tecno, Infinix, Xiaomi, and OPPO. Consumers also favour SIM-free phones purchased online or through local dealers, rather than through traditional mobile operators.

Market Share Estimate

Though comprehensive nationwide data is limited, industry estimates and market surveys suggest that 40–50% of smartphone users in Nigeria acquired their devices second-hand in 2025.