Nigeria’s telecommunications sector is experiencing a strong resurgence, with mobile internet subscriptions rising to 134.78 million in October 2024, according to the latest report from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). This marks a 1.88 million increase from September’s 132.9 million users, signaling a broad-based recovery driven by mobile connectivity.
Key Highlights of the Sector’s Growth:
- MTN Leads Internet Growth: Added 1.13 million new subscribers, reaching 69.52 million users.
- Airtel Gains 678,219 Subscribers, pushing its base to 45.47 million.
- Globacom Sees Growth, adding 184,887 users, reaching 17.10 million.
- 9mobile Faces a Decline, losing 125,780 subscribers, dropping to 2.16 million.
- Total Telephony Subscriptions Reach 157.37 Million, a 2.69 million increase from September.
Data Consumption and Broadband Expansion
Record Data Usage: Internet data consumption hit 870,398.28 terabytes (TB) in October, a 28.9% YoY increase from October 2023.
Broadband Penetration Climbs to 42.24%, up from 41.56% in September, driven by 4G networks (46.27%).
5G Adoption Grows, now accounting for 2.33% of total subscriptions, while 2G holds 42% and 3G at 9.40%.
What’s Driving the Surge?
Affordable Smartphones: Budget-friendly devices from Transsion and Xiaomi have fueled adoption despite naira depreciation.
Subscriber Base Adjustment: A massive NCC audit earlier in 2024 removed 64.37 million inactive lines, after uncovering inflated figures from a major operator.
SIM-NIN Linkage Impact: Deactivation of unregistered SIMs also contributed to subscription fluctuations.
Challenges & Future Outlook
120 Million Nigerians Still Lack Mobile Internet Access, particularly in rural areas with limited infrastructure.
Growth to Continue: As more Nigerians access affordable devices, internet subscriptions, data usage, and broadband penetration are expected to rise further.
With mobile connectivity driving Nigeria’s digital economy, the telecom sector is poised for sustained expansion, despite ongoing infrastructure challenges.
