Nigeria’s telecom industry maintained strong momentum in the third quarter of 2025, with new figures from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) showing active telephone subscriptions climbed to 175.08 million in October 2025. This reflects an increase of 1.5 million users from 173.54 million in September and 171.57 million recorded in August.

Teledensity Rises to 80.87%

Alongside subscriber growth, the nation’s teledensity improved to 80.87%, up from 80.05% a month earlier. The metric, which represents active telephone lines per 100 inhabitants, continues to rise as connectivity expands nationwide.

Performance of Major Mobile Operators

All major network operators registered gains in October, reinforcing sustained consumer demand and continuous network expansion.

MTN Nigeria Adds Over 700,000 Subscribers

MTN Nigeria (MTNN) led the market with over 700,000 new active users, bringing its subscriber base to 91.07 million. Despite the increase, MTN’s market share slipped marginally to 52%, down from 52.1% in September.

Airtel Nigeria Grows by 569,000 Users

Airtel Nigeria added around 569,000 subscribers, raising its total to 59.03 million. Its market share edged down by 15 basis points to 33%, even as monthly growth remained consistent.

Globacom Increases Its Base by 442,000 Subscribers

Globacom also posted a solid performance, with 442,000 additional subscribers, pushing its total user count to 21.8 million and holding a 12% market share.

Together, these gains highlight a resilient and competitive telecom market.

Internet Users Expand by 8% Month-on-Month

Mobile internet subscriptions grew by 8% month-on-month, rising to 142 million. This increase lifted Nigeria’s internet penetration rate to 49.89%, up slightly from 49.34% in August, indicating sustained demand for mobile broadband and digital services.

Rising Operating Costs Challenge the Sector

Despite subscriber growth, telecom operators continue to face escalating operational costs. NCC data shows that industry expenses surged by 50.92% in 2023, influenced by:

• Higher diesel and energy costs
• Increased spending on network security
• Costly imported equipment
• Heavy power usage across towers and data centres
• Intensive fibre and tower upgrades for 4G and 5G expansion

The naira’s over 220% depreciation between 2021 and 2024 has further amplified these cost pressures.

Vandalism Continues to Impact Infrastructure

Fibre cable vandalism remains a major financial burden on operators.

• Bloomberg reports the industry suffered ₦27 billion (about $23 million) in repair and revenue losses in 2023.
• MTN Nigeria alone relocated 2,500 km of fibre between 2022 and 2023, investing over ₦11 billion, enough to deploy more than 870 km of new fibre.

This persistent issue significantly inflates capital and maintenance costs.

Revenue Outlook Positive Amid Higher Tariffs

A November analysis by FBNQuest projects continued revenue growth for Nigeria’s telecom sector, driven by:

• The 50% increase in voice and data tariffs introduced in Q1 2025
• Consistently strong demand for data and digital connectivity
• Intensifying competition among the country’s four key operators

The firm anticipates that higher tariffs will strengthen operator earnings in 2025, even as networks continue to invest heavily in infrastructure.