Telecom Subscribers Hit 173 Million — NCC

Nigeria’s telecommunications industry has recorded a significant milestone as the number of active mobile subscribers reached 173 million as of September 2025, according to the latest data released by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). The figure reflects sustained growth in mobile connectivity, broadband adoption, and digital inclusion across the country despite economic challenges and operational costs confronting telecom operators.

The NCC’s monthly industry statistics revealed that the total number of active mobile lines rose from 169.5 million in August to 173 million in September, representing a net addition of 3.5 million new subscribers within one month. The growth, according to the Commission, was driven by increasing demand for internet access, mobile banking, e-learning, and digital entertainment, as well as improved network coverage by major telecom operators — MTN Nigeria, Globacom, Airtel, and 9mobile.

Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, attributed the increase to the Commission’s ongoing regulatory reforms aimed at enhancing service quality, expanding broadband infrastructure, and encouraging investment in rural connectivity. “We are pleased to see sustained growth in mobile subscriptions and broadband penetration. It demonstrates the resilience of our telecom industry and the effectiveness of our policies to make digital access available to every Nigerian,” he said.

Maida explained that the Commission’s initiatives, including the National Broadband Plan (2020–2025), have played a key role in driving internet adoption. He noted that Nigeria’s broadband penetration now stands at 46.5 percent, up from 42.1 percent in 2024, with more than 88 million Nigerians now having access to high-speed internet. He added that NCC is working toward achieving the 70 percent broadband target set in the national plan by 2025.

The report also showed that MTN Nigeria maintained its position as the market leader, accounting for about 36.2 percent of total subscriptions with 62.8 million users. Globacom followed with 49.6 million subscribers, representing 28.7 percent market share, while Airtel Nigeria recorded 48.1 million subscribers (27.8 percent). 9mobile trailed with 12.5 million active lines, accounting for 7.3 percent of total market share.

Industry analysts noted that the renewed subscriber growth could be linked to aggressive network expansion by telecom operators, improved rural connectivity through tower deployments, and competitive data pricing. The recent introduction of innovative data bundles, digital financial services, and loyalty programs by operators has also contributed to subscriber retention and acquisition.

The NCC further disclosed that total teledensity — which measures the number of active telephone connections per 100 inhabitants — increased to 90.7 percent in September 2025, from 88.1 percent recorded in June. The Commission attributed this steady growth to rising mobile penetration in previously underserved regions, especially in the North-West and North-Central zones.

However, the NCC acknowledged persistent challenges, including vandalism of telecom infrastructure, multiple taxation, and high energy costs, which continue to impact network quality and service delivery. Dr. Maida reiterated the Commission’s commitment to working with relevant government agencies and stakeholders to address these issues. “Telecoms remain a vital driver of Nigeria’s digital economy. We are engaging state governments to reduce right-of-way charges and curb the vandalisation of fibre infrastructure,” he added.

The Commission also reaffirmed its support for the rollout of 5G networks, which it said will deepen broadband access and improve connectivity for businesses, schools, and health institutions. As of September, MTN and Airtel had expanded their 5G coverage to over 50 cities across 25 states, while Globacom and Mafab Communications are expected to increase their rollout efforts before the end of 2025.

Maida explained that 5G technology would help drive innovation in sectors such as agriculture, logistics, and manufacturing, as well as support the deployment of smart city projects. “5G will not only transform connectivity but also support the Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence applications that will shape Nigeria’s future economy,” he said.

Telecom operators have continued to invest heavily in infrastructure to meet growing demand. MTN recently announced a $1.5 billion network expansion plan for 2025–2027, while Airtel and Globacom have committed additional funding for fibre optic deployment and rural broadband projects. 9mobile has also intensified partnerships with international investors to revamp its network capacity.

Despite these investments, industry experts warn that rising operational costs, especially due to foreign exchange volatility and high diesel prices, could slow progress in the sector. A telecom economist, Mr. Tunde Olayemi, noted that “while subscriber numbers are growing, profitability remains under strain. Operators need government support in areas like forex access, power supply, and infrastructure protection to sustain this growth.”

He further called for policy consistency and tax harmonisation to prevent duplication of levies that increase the cost of service delivery. “If the government can reduce the regulatory and fiscal burden on telecom firms, we could see the sector contribute even more to GDP,” Olayemi said.

The telecommunications sector currently contributes about 13.5 percent to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), according to data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). Analysts expect this figure to rise further as digital services expand and mobile internet adoption continues to surge.

The NCC reaffirmed its readiness to maintain a competitive and secure telecom environment that encourages innovation and protects consumer rights. It said ongoing collaborations with law enforcement agencies are helping to tackle cases of telecom fraud, SIM swap scams, and data privacy breaches.

“We remain committed to ensuring that every Nigerian enjoys reliable, affordable, and secure telecommunications services,” Maida assured. “The growth of our subscriber base shows that Nigerians trust the digital ecosystem, and we will continue to build on that trust through transparency, quality, and inclusiveness.”

As Nigeria’s telecom industry continues its upward trajectory, experts believe that sustained regulatory support, investment in infrastructure, and digital literacy will be key to unlocking the sector’s full potential and achieving the government’s digital economy goals.