Ola Akinwunmi
The Nigerian telecommunications industry has reached a significant milestone, with active subscriptions climbing to 169.3 million as of January 2025, according to the latest data from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). This growth is largely attributed to the robust performance of leading operators MTN Nigeria and Airtel Nigeria.
MTN Nigeria, the nation’s largest telecom provider, reported a 4.5% increase in its subscriber base over the past year, bringing its total subscriptions to 75.6 million. Airtel Nigeria also demonstrated impressive growth, with a 3.8% rise, reaching 55.3 million active users. These two companies collectively account for approximately 77% of the country’s total telecom subscriptions.
Industry analysts attribute this upward trend to several factors, including aggressive network expansion, competitive pricing strategies, and innovative service offerings that cater to Nigeria’s youthful and tech-savvy population. The increasing penetration of smartphones and the growing demand for data services have further fueled this expansion.
The NCC’s report also highlights a decline in the number of inactive lines, indicating improved customer retention and satisfaction across the sector. This positive development underscores the effectiveness of ongoing efforts by telecom operators to enhance service quality and customer experience.
As Nigeria continues to embrace digital transformation, the telecom industry’s sustained growth is expected to play a pivotal role in driving economic development, fostering innovation, and improving access to information and services nationwide.