Nigeria’s telecommunications sector recorded a strong surge in internet usage at the close of 2025 as Nigerians consumed 13,249,628.17 terabytes of data, with December accounting for 1,386,238.23 terabytes, according to new official figures.
In the figures released by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the regulator says that active mobile subscriptions climbed to 179,642,333 by December 2025, up from about 164.9 million a year earlier, reflecting sustained growth in mobile adoption. Teledensity stood at 82.87%, underscoring continued expansion in nationwide connectivity.
By operator, MTN Nigeria maintained its market leadership with 93,064,952 active lines, accounting for 51.87% of total subscriptions. Airtel Nigeria followed with 60,893,280 subscribers (33.94%), while Globacom recorded 22,225,610 subscriptions (12.39%). T2, formerly 9mobile, accounted for 3,223,213 active lines, representing 1.80% of the market.
By operator, MTN Nigeria maintained its market leadership with 93,064,952 active lines, accounting for 51.87% of total subscriptions. Airtel Nigeria followed with 60,893,280 subscribers (33.94%), while Globacom recorded 22,225,610 subscriptions (12.39%). T2, formerly 9mobile, accounted for 3,223,213 active lines, representing 1.80% of the market.
Nigeria’s internet data upsurge
Broadband adoption also strengthened during the year. The NCC reports that broadband penetration rose to 51.97%Â as at December 2025, up from 44.3% in December 2024, signalling increased uptake of high-speed internet services. Total broadband subscriptions reached 112,665,176, with mobile broadband accounting for the overwhelming majority of connections.
On overall internet usage, the commission says total data consumption for 2025 hit 13,249,628.17 terabytes, compared with 9,763,595.18 terabytes in 2024, representing a sharp year-on-year increase in data demand. Usage climbed steadily throughout the year, with November recording about 1.2 million terabytes before peaking in December. Average daily internet traffic exceeded 41,000 terabytes, driven by rising use of video streaming platforms, social media, cloud-based services and digital business applications.
The NCC also highlights continued activity in mobile number portability during the year. On incoming ports in 2025, MTN gained 24,550 subscribers, Airtel added 11,035, Globacom recorded 5,542, while T2 attracted 107 ported lines. On the outgoing side, T2 recorded 29,974 outgoing ports, followed by Globacom with 4,059, Airtel with 3,732, and MTN with 3,480. The commission notes that porting trends provide useful insights into subscriber behaviour and competitive dynamics in the market.
In terms of network technology, the NCC says 4G services accounted for more than half of active mobile connections, reflecting growing consumer preference for faster data services. 2G networks remain in use, particularly in rural and underserved areas, while 3G continues to play a supporting role. 5G adoption, the commission notes, remains limited but is gradually expanding across major urban centres.
The telecommunications sector also continued to make a significant contribution to the wider economy. According to the NCC, the sector contributed over 9 per cent to Nigeria’s gross domestic product in mid-2025, reinforcing its role as a key driver of economic activity, digital inclusion and service delivery. The regulator adds that telecoms has remained one of the most resilient contributors to growth in recent years.
Overall, the NCC says the 2025 figures point to rising demand for digital services, sustained investment in network infrastructure and increasing reliance on mobile broadband for communication, commerce and entertainment. The commission adds that continued expansion of broadband coverage, improved service quality and greater affordability will be critical to sustaining growth and meeting Nigeria’s national digital development targets.
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