…Globacom accounted for 12.4% (22.23 million subscribers), while T2 (formerly 9mobile) held the smallest share at 1.8% (3.23 million subscribers)
SAT FEB 14 2026-theGBJournal| The total number of active telephony subscribers increased by 1.2% m/m to 179.64 million in December (November: 177.43 million), according to the data obtained from the National Communications Commission (NCC).
The improvement reflects a gradual recovery in the subscriber base following the conclusion of the NIN-SIM linkage program.
At the same time, the total number of internet subscribers increased by 2.3% m/m to 147.52 million (December: 144.15 million).
However, on a yearly basis, the average telephony subscribers declined by 4.8% to 173.09 million (2024FY average: 181.76 million), while the average number of internet subscribers fell by 2.0% to 141.95 million (2024FY average: 144.81 million), primarily reflecting the disconnection of SIMs not linked to verifiable NINs.
By market share, MTN Nigeria remained the industry leader with 51.9% (93.06 million subscribers), followed by Airtel Nigeria at 33.9% (50.89 million subscribers).
Globacom accounted for 12.4% (22.23 million subscribers), while T2 (formerly 9mobile) held the smallest share at 1.8% (3.23 million subscribers). Looking ahead, we expect a steady uptick in the subscriber base, particularly driven by the two dominant operators, MTN Nigeria and Airtel Nigeria.
This growth is likely to be underpinned by more targeted subscriber acquisition and retention strategies, including focused SIM reactivation efforts, enhanced customer engagement, and improved distribution efficiency.
While Nigeria’s favourable demographic backdrop remains supportive, we believe the primary drivers of subscriber growth will be the operators deliberate commercial and retention initiatives.
X-@theGBJournal|Facebook-the Government and Business Journal|email:gbj@govbusinessjournal.com|govandbusinessj@gmail.com
