…As Internet Subscriptions Hit 151.6Mn
Latest data on Nigeria’s telecommunications services have reflected that the sector continues to grow, with active mobile lines surging to 182.2 million as of January 2026, representing about 13 million new subscribers year-on-year, up from 169.3 million in January 2025.
The just published report on the performance of the sector by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) also showed that Internet subscriptions rose to 151.6 million in January this year compared to 141.7 million subscriptions in the corresponding month of last year.
As expected, data consumption increased to an all-time high of 1,385,536.04 terabytes in the month under review, up from 1,000,930.60 terabytes in January 2025 based on increased use of streaming platforms, social media, and remote work tools by subscribers.
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The report, which highlighted steady growth in access to mobile services in the country, also indicated that the nation’s teledensity rose to 84.06% in January 2026, compared to 78.10% in January last year.
A further analysis of the NCC’s report in terms of market share by Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) indicated that MTN Nigeria continued its market dominance with 94.2 million subscribers, followed by Airtel Nigeria with 62.04 million subscribers, while Globacom recorded 22.46 million subscribers, and 9Mobile with 3.26 million users had the lowest share of the rapidly growing market.
The report also highlighted a growing shift by telecoms subscribers toward faster internet services with 4G network accounting for the highest subscriptions at 53.41% in January this year, up from 47.23% in January 2025.
The NCC reported that 5G adoption had been gradually increasing, rising to 3.94%, as more users begin to embrace next-generation connectivity while older 2G and 3G technologies adoption by telecoms users are dropping, reflecting a broader transition toward faster and more efficient networks.
Industry experts have attributed the improving performance of the telecoms sector primarily to the NCC’s proactive regulatory initiatives, especially as they relate to investments in broadband infrastructure and creation of enabling environment for new investors and operators in the country.
They projected that with the current rate of new investments in broadband infrastructure and increasing adoption of high-speed networks, the sector will sustain its role as the foremost driver of achieving the $1 trillion economy target set by the government for the country by year 2030.
