Nigeria’s Telecom Subscribers Hit 175 Million in October 2025, Driven by Strong Multi-Operator Growth — NCC

Nigeria’s telecommunications sector continued its upward trajectory in Q3 2025, with fresh data from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) showing that active telephone subscriptions rose to 175.08 million in October 2025. This marks a gain of 1.5 million new users, up from 173.54 million in September and 171.57 million in August.

Teledensity Climbs to 80.87%

The NCC report also revealed that teledensity increased to 80.87%, up from 80.05% recorded in September 2025. Teledensity measures the number of active telephone lines per 100 people and is a key indicator of market penetration and connectivity.

Operator-by-Operator Breakdown

Growth was recorded across all major mobile network operators, reflecting strong market demand and subscriber expansion nationwide.

MTN Nigeria Leads with 700,000+ New Users

MTN Nigeria (MTNN) added over 700,000 new subscribers, raising its total customer base to 91.07 million. Despite the rise, its market share dipped slightly to 52%, from 52.1% the previous month.

Airtel Nigeria Adds 569,000 Subscribers

Airtel Nigeria followed with nearly 569,000 new subscribers, bringing its total to 59.03 million. Its market share decreased marginally by 15 basis points to 33%, despite its steady month-on-month expansion.

Globacom Gains 442,000 New Users

Globacom also recorded positive momentum, adding 442,000 customers to reach 21.8 million subscribers. Its market share now stands at 12%.

Collectively, the performance of all three major operators underscores a healthy competitive landscape and consistent user acquisition.

Internet Subscriptions Rise 8% MoM

Mobile internet subscriptions climbed 8% month-on-month to reach 142 million, pushing Nigeria’s internet penetration rate to 49.89%, up from 49.34% in August. This reflects sustained growth in digital adoption and data consumption nationwide.

Industry Faces High Costs Despite Subscriber Growth

While subscriber numbers continue to rise, the sector is grappling with mounting operational challenges.

According to NCC data, industry-wide expenses jumped 50.92% in 2023, driven by:

• Higher diesel prices
• Rising network security costs
• Expensive imported network equipment
• Power consumption for towers and data centres
• Tower and fibre upgrades required for 4G and 5G rollout

The naira’s steep 220% depreciation between 2021 and 2024 further worsened financial pressures.

Infrastructure Vandalism Remains a Major Drain

Telecom operators continue to battle rampant vandalism of fibre infrastructure.

• Bloomberg reports Nigerian telecoms incurred ₦27 billion (about $23 million) in repair and revenue losses in 2023 alone.
• MTN Nigeria relocated 2,500 km of vulnerable fibre between 2022 and 2023, spending over ₦11 billion—an amount sufficient to build over 870 km of new fibre.

This ongoing challenge adds significant financial strain despite subscriber gains.

Revenue Outlook Remains Strong

A November report by FBNQuest projects sustained revenue growth for the telecom sector, driven by:

• The 50% tariff increase on voice and data services was implemented in Q1 2025
• Rising demand for mobile broadband and digital services
• A competitive but expanding market

Analysts expect that higher tariffs will reinforce operator margins in 2025, even as capital expenditure remains elevated.