Nigeria has 177.4 million telecoms subscribers as of November 2025

Nigerian telecoms subscribers have now reached 177.4 million as of November 2025. This is according to the latest industry data by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). 

The data revealed that Nigerian telecoms subscribers surged by 2.1% (2.1 million) compared to October 2025. Specifically, the industry now has 177,426,286 subscribers as of November 2025, compared to 175,322,398 subscribers in the previous month. 

Since January 2025, this is the 10th time the industry witnessed a surge in telecoms subscribers. The only negative was seen in July 2025 when it dropped to 169.3 million from 171.7 million subscribers in June 2025.

In terms of market share, MTN Nigeria remains the leader with nearly 92 million subscribers, accounting for a 51.89% share. Airtel Nigeria follows with 59.8 million subscribers, accounting for a market share of 33.78%, while Globacom holds a 12.54% share, with 22.2 million subscribers.

T2mobile, formerly 9mobile, is distant with 3.2 million subscribers, leaving it with a market share of 1.8%. For the company, the race for revival to take back its place in the Nigerian telecoms space continues. 

Teledensity, which shows how more people have access to mobile and fixed telecoms services, has now reached 81.84%. The increase, from 80.87% in October 2025, shows improved telecoms penetration, digital inclusion and increased infrastructure in Nigeria.

Moreover, the Nigerian telecoms industry has experienced the rollout of infrastructure.

Earlier this month, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved the nationwide deployment of 4,000 new telecom towers as part of its effort to expand digital access and strengthen Nigeria’s broadband backbone. The decision, which marks one of the largest recent infrastructure upgrades, aimed at closing the digital divide and supporting economic growth through improved connectivity.

Notably, the project is expected to boost broadband penetration, reduce network congestion, and support digital services in key sectors such as finance, education, and agriculture. 

In further explanation, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said the new towers will be rolled out across all geopolitical zones, with priority given to communities that still struggle with weak or non-existent mobile coverage. This, in turn, allows underserved and disconnected areas access to the dividends of being digitally connected.

Also Read: NCC: Ongoing network issues in Abuja caused by fuel supply hitch to telecoms towers.

Nigerian telecoms: 5G is increasing at a slow pace 

The industry data revealed that while 5G usage increased from 3.49% to 3.60% in November, the adoption is still at a slow pace. In fact, in 2025 alone, the network only grew by 1.06% from January to November. This shows that the Nigerian telecoms industry needs more infrastructure to increase 5G adoption. 

While acknowledging the deployment of additional telecoms towers, the Minister explained that the plan aligns with long-standing national plans to deepen 4G and 5G deployment while preparing for future upgrades. 

Further analysis of the data showed that 4G technology remained the dominant network in Nigeria with 51.99% usage, followed by 2G at 38.29%. 3G, which is almost phasing out, has 6.13 per cent penetration. 

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