SAT NOV 15 2025-theGBJournal| Nigeria’s active telephony subscribers rose moderately by 1.2% m/m to 173.54 million in September (August: 171.57 million), according to latest National Communications Commission (NCC) data.
The improvement primarily mirrors the ongoing SIM reactivation drive led by major network operators, notably MTN Nigeria and Airtel Nigeria, as efforts to restore previously deactivated lines under the NIN-SIM linkage policy continue to gain traction.
The total number of internet subscribers also improved slightly, rising by 0.4% m/m to 140.95 million (August: 140.33 million), supported by higher data service uptake amid growing digital adoption.
On a year-on-year basis, average telephony and internet subscriptions increased by 12.0% and 6.1%, respectively, indicating a rebound in subscriber activity and network connectivity following the successful completion of the NIN-SIM linkage exercise, which had previously disrupted subscriber acquisition and retention.
The market structure remains highly concentrated, with MTN Nigeria maintaining its dominant position, holding a 52.1% market share (90.34 million subscribers), significantly ahead of Airtel Nigeria at 33.7% (58.47 million).
Globacom held a modest 12.3% share (21.39 million), while 9mobile (now T2 mobile) continued to lag significantly, accounting for just 1.8% (3.11 million) of total subscriptions.
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