Nigeria’s Telecommunications Industry Records Surge in Internet Usage and Mobile Subscriptions
Nigeria’s telecommunications sector is experiencing steady momentum, with internet traffic hitting a new high of 1,152,347.24 terabytes in August 2025, up from 1,131,255.90 terabytes in July, according to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). This marks the highest monthly traffic recorded so far this year, reflecting Nigeria’s deepening digital reliance across work, learning, commerce, and entertainment.
The NCC report also revealed a modest but notable rise in broadband subscriptions, which climbed to 105.1 million users (48.81%) from 104 million (48.01%) in July. This means more Nigerians are coming online and leveraging digital services—from mobile banking and e-commerce platforms to e-learning tools and streaming services. The upward trend highlights the growing role of broadband as a driver of inclusion, productivity, and lifestyle transformation.
With digital integration accelerating across households and businesses, the surge in usage underscores the importance of continued investment in telecom infrastructure. A stronger, more resilient network will help bridge access gaps, unlock innovation, and further expand Nigeria’s digital economy.
MTN Raises Alarm as Fibre Cuts Exceed 5,400 in Seven Months
MTN Nigeria has raised concerns about the persistent threat of fibre optic cable cuts, reporting more than 5,478 incidents between January and July 2025, including 760 cuts in July alone. The disclosure was made by MTN’s Public Relations Manager, Lakinbofa Goodluck, at the 10th edition of the New Media Conference in Lagos.
He explained that these disruptions—mainly caused by road construction and vandalism—are taking a toll on network quality and customer experience. “When the network is bad, someone somewhere has cut a cable,” Goodluck noted, stressing the urgency of criminalizing vandalism and putting stronger safeguards in place.
In a direct appeal, Goodluck urged policymakers, including Dada Olusegun, Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu, to step up protection for telecom infrastructure. Given the sector’s central role in Nigeria’s digital transformation and economic growth, industry players believe stronger enforcement could help stabilize services and reassure millions of customers who rely on uninterrupted connectivity.
Mobile Market Rebounds as Active Subscriptions Hit 171.3 Million
Nigeria’s mobile telecommunications market showed renewed resilience in August 2025, bouncing back to 171.3 million active subscriptions after a sharp dip in July. The NCC’s latest industry figures attribute this recovery mainly to gains recorded by Airtel and MTN.
Airtel led the rebound with 1.5 million new subscribers, raising its customer base to 58 million. MTN, the market leader, followed with nearly 500,000 new activations, growing its base to 89.6 million. Globacom also posted modest growth, adding over 173,000 subscribers to reach 20.9 million active lines. In contrast, T2 (formerly 9mobile) stalled at 2.7 million subscribers after a brief rebound the previous month.
The recovery signals continued demand for mobile connectivity and reflects the competitive dynamics shaping the market. With Airtel and MTN driving growth, consumers can expect more innovations and service improvements as operators jostle for market share. Going forward, sustained investment in infrastructure and customer experience will be key to maintaining this upward trajectory.
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