Google has revealed new insights showing that Nigerians are increasingly leveraging Search and artificial intelligence tools to develop creative skills and explore artistic pursuits in 2026.

Google AI

According to the latest trends for March, there is a growing shift toward using technology as a practical assistant for personal growth, learning and creative expression across the country.

Nigeria’s longstanding reputation as a creative powerhouse continues to shape this trend. From the global dominance of Afrobeats to the rise of Nollywood—now ranked as the fifth-largest film industry globally—the country’s cultural influence remains strong. Industry data shows Nollywood’s value is approaching $8 billion, with over 70 per cent of viewership for Nigerian-produced content coming from international audiences. Similarly, Afrobeats continues its global surge, recording more than 13 billion streams annually on platforms like Spotify.

Google’s data indicates that Nigerians are deliberately using digital tools to sharpen their creative abilities. Interest in learning painting has surged by 90 per cent over the past year, while calligraphy has emerged as a breakout trend, reflecting new forms of artistic exploration.

Music-related learning is also on the rise, with searches for guitar lessons increasing by 80 per cent. At the same time, users are exploring emerging AI-powered tools such as Lyria 3, highlighting a blend of creativity and advanced technology.

Beyond the arts, Nigerians are turning to digital tools to broaden global connections. Interest in learning Italian has jumped by 130 per cent, while searches for Japanese language learning have doubled within the past year.

This growing appetite for digital learning is supported by Nigeria’s expanding tech-driven economy. Research by Public First suggests that every dollar invested in digital technology generates more than eight dollars in economic value. The ICT sector has also emerged as a key contributor, accounting for over 16 per cent of the country’s real GDP.

Students and families are equally tapping into AI-powered tools for education. Searches for AI tutors have become a breakout trend, while interest in combining AI with subjects like chemistry has doubled over the past year. Homework-related searches have also risen by 70 per cent.

These developments are being bolstered by improved digital infrastructure, including projects such as the Equiano subsea cable, which significantly increases internet capacity and connectivity across the region.

Commenting on the trend, Taiwo Kola-Ogunlade said it is encouraging to see Nigerians using AI creatively to unlock new opportunities.

He noted that the rise in creative arts and language learning reflects a population actively shaping its future with technology, using AI tools as “24/7 tutors” to build skills and connect globally.

Google added that tools such as Search and Workspace are already delivering measurable productivity gains, with Nigerian knowledge workers saving over 22 million hours weekly—equivalent to an estimated $4.7 billion boost in productivity.

The surge in AI literacy, which has grown by 840 per cent, further underscores a broader shift as Nigerians increasingly integrate technology into their creative, academic and professional lives.

Samsung Galaxy S26 series has made a confident statement of intent; a flagship lineup that blends refined design, intelligent performance, and forward-looking innovation into one cohesive experience. Nigerian consumers looking to get their hands on these devices can now shop directly on Konga or visit any Konga retail center nationwide.

Samsung Galaxy S26 Series

The Samsung Galaxy S26, S26+, and S26 Ultra have generated significant global attention, and  Nigeria is no exception. This series represents a quantum leap in mobile technology, delivering features that aren’t just incremental improvements; they fundamentally transform how we interact with our smartphones.

Perhaps the most talked-about feature is the revolutionary Privacy Display technology.  Samsung has engineered a solution for the modern, mobile professional who needs to work in public spaces without compromise. Using advanced light-control technology, the S26 narrows the viewing angle, making screen content visible only to the person directly in front of the device. Whether you’re reviewing sensitive documents or personal messages, you can interact with your device with complete confidence.

Equally compelling is the Steady Horizon Lock, an advanced camera stabilization system that elevates mobile photography to a professional level. This intelligent system uses gyroscopic sensors and AI-powered algorithms to keep your display perfectly level, regardless of how you hold the device. Whether you are capturing high-speed motion or recording content on the move, the S26 ensures smooth, professional-grade output that reviewers worldwide have called a total game-changer for mobile videography.

The Galaxy S26 series also takes AI integration to unprecedented heights. These devices  feature deeply embedded AI that learns your specific usage patterns, anticipates your needs,  and optimizes performance in real-time. From intelligent battery management that extends  your usage based on your daily routine, to predictive text that understands context with  remarkable accuracy, the S26 series doesn’t just respond to your commands, it anticipates  them. This positions the device as more than just a smartphone; it’s a personal digital assistant tailored to your lifestyle.

Beyond the hardware, Samsung has prioritized device protection through Samsung Care+  (SC+). Offering comprehensive protection for your investment, SC+ provides significant peace of mind for premium owners. To take full advantage of this, customers are encouraged to register their devices within 30 days of purchase to benefit from substantial discounts on screen repairs for the first 12 months.

The Samsung Galaxy S26 series delivers a compelling blend of innovation, performance, and user-centric features. With its availability on Konga.com, Nigerian consumers have access to  cutting-edge technology through a trusted and convenient purchasing channel.

As the market continues to evolve, this collaboration highlights the importance of authenticity and experience in shaping the future of tech in Nigeria.

Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), yesterday ordered telecom operators to begin compensation of subscribers for poor network quality with airtime credits.

According to  Dr Aminu Maida, executive vice chairman, NCC,  the measure is part of renewed efforts to improve service delivery, protect consumers, and hold operators accountable for persistent lapses in network performance across the country.

Maida, also outlined his commission’s latest compliance and enforcement strategies.

He said the compensation directive followed verified failures by operators to meet established minimum quality of service standards in several locations.

“It is not a refund from the regulator but a compliance obligation placed on service providers,” he said, stressing operators must bear full responsibility.

He explained that the framework relies on detailed monitoring at local government level, enabling the commission to pinpoint exact areas and periods of poor service.

This granular approach, he said, allows regulators to move beyond general complaints and focus on measurable, location-specific service deficiencies affecting subscribers.

According to him, the compensation specifically covers service failures recorded between November 2025 and January 2026 across multiple network providers.

“Eligible subscribers will receive airtime credits with notifications explaining the cause and value of the compensation,” he said.

He added that notifications would improve transparency and help users understand why compensation was applied to their accounts.

Maida noted the commission has significantly strengthened its monitoring systems to capture real-time, location-specific service performance data.

“These systems ensure enforcement reflects actual user experience rather than generalised industry averages,” he said, highlighting improved regulatory precision.

He added that operators are required to implement the compensation directly, while the NCC provides oversight to ensure compliance.

“Independent checks will confirm that affected subscribers are properly credited,” he said, noting sanctions for non-compliance may follow.

Maida said the initiative formed part of broader reforms aimed at improving accountability and service standards within the telecommunications sector.

“Operators failing to meet obligations will face stricter enforcement measures,” he warned, signalling tougher regulatory action ahead.

He stressed that improving service quality required both sustained infrastructure investment and stronger operational discipline by network providers.

“Service providers must maintain performance standards consistently across all regions, including underserved and rural areas,” he said.

Maida reiterated the NCC’s commitment to balancing consumer protection with industry sustainability and long-term sector growth.

“Operators must take responsibility for the quality of experience delivered to subscribers,” he said, urging greater corporate accountability.

He added that the commission remained committed to ensuring Nigerians received value for money spent on telecom services nationwide.

“Persistent poor service quality is no longer acceptable under current regulatory direction,” he said, emphasising zero tolerance for continued lapses.