Telecoms: MTN, Airtel, Globacom, others gained 14.7 million new subscribers in 2025

Nigerian telecoms operators have added a total of 14.7 million subscribers in 2025. This is according to the latest industry data released by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). 

In the space of one year (December 2024 to December 2025), data shows that telecom subscribers increased from 164.93 million to 179.64 million, signalling an increase in the number of Nigerians using voice and data services. 

The latest figure made it the 11th time the industry witnessed a surge in telecom subscribers. The only negative was seen in July 2025 when it dropped to 169.3 million from 171.7 million subscribers in June 2025. 

Specifically, subscribers increased by 1.24% from 177.4 million in November 2025 to 179.6 million in December 2025. The figure is the highest in about 20 months, when the industry recorded 216.9 million subscribers in April 2024.

In terms of the latest market share among mobile network operators (MNOs), MTN Nigeria remains the leader with nearly 93 million subscribers, accounting for a 51.87% share. Airtel Nigeria follows with 60.9 million subscribers, accounting for a market share of 33.94%, while Globacom holds a 12.39% share, with 22.2 million subscribers.

At the far end is T2mobile, formerly 9mobile, with 3.2 million subscribers and a market share of 1.8%. For the company, the race for revival to restore its lost pedigree in the Nigerian telecoms space continues. 

Also, teledensity, which shows how many people have access to mobile and fixed telecoms services, has now reached 82.87% from 81.84% in November 2025. The surge signalled more telecoms penetration, digital inclusion and increased infrastructure in Nigeria.

For the industry, more than two-thirds of the Nigerian population are now telecoms subscribers, showing the continued interest of the estimated 240 million population in holding a mobile phone. 

Also Read: One year after 50% tariff hike: How improved is telecoms service in Nigeria.

Subscribers call for more telecoms infrastructure upgrades

The rise in subscribers, particularly with 14.7 million new lines added in 2025, reflects a resilient industry rebounding from dips experienced in mid 2024. The development indicates a robust recovery and growing demand for connectivity.

While the increase reflects an enhanced demand for quality voice and data-intensive services, it places more pressure on operators to invest in telecom infrastructure. For the industry to thrive on service delivery, as promised, an increase in subscribers calls for more investment. 

However, reports from the NCC show that telecom operators deployed infrastructure worth more than $1 billion into the industry in 2025. According to the NCC’s EVC, Dr Aminu Maida, operators deployed the funds into the deployment of over 2,850 new sites and laying more fibre-optic cables to expand both coverage and capacity nationwide. 

The investment forms part of the telecom operators’ commitment to stretching connectivity nationwide following the tariff adjustment. After the 50% hike in January 2025, operators noted that the increase would boost their operational performance and investment strategies.

In its continued mantra to improve connectivity, Maida said the commission has “secured commitments from operators to exceed their 2025 investment levels in 2026, with infrastructure investments continuing in earnest.”

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