Nigeria’s telecommunications sector recorded significant growth in the first quarter of 2025, adding 3.39 million new telephone subscribers to the national network. This brings the total number of active lines to 172.7 million, representing a teledensity of 79.67 percent.
According to newly released industry data, the number of active phone users grew from 169.3 million in January to 172.7 million by the end of March. Despite a slight dip in internet users—from 142.16 million in January to 142.05 million in March—the country saw notable improvements in broadband penetration, which rose from 45.61 percent to 47.73 percent.
This boost translates to 103.5 million broadband users nationwide, surpassing the 100 million mark for the first time.
The data also reveals that 4G remains the dominant technology with a 48.82 percent penetration rate. 2G follows with 40 percent, while 3G holds 8.4 percent of the market. Meanwhile, 5G technology, deployed by MTN, Mafab, and Airtel, saw a modest increase in adoption—from 2.54 percent at the start of the year to 2.70 percent by the end of Q1. This means 4.66 million subscribers are now connected to 5G networks in Nigeria.
Market Share Breakdown:
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MTN retained its market leadership with 90 million subscribers and a 52.4 percent share.
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Airtel followed with 58.3 million users and 33.8 percent of the market.
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Globacom had 20.7 million subscribers, accounting for 12 percent market share.
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9mobile trailed with 2.96 million users and a 1.72 percent penetration rate.
The latest figures highlight both growth and ongoing shifts within Nigeria’s telecom industry, underscoring continued demand for high-speed connectivity and the steady, albeit slow, expansion of 5G services.
