By Nigeria’s broadband penetration has surged to 45.61% in January 2025, up from 44.43% in December 2024, as internet adoption continues to accelerate across the country.
According to the latest Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) data, broadband subscriptions increased to 98.87 million, marking a steady rise from 96.32 million recorded the previous month.
Driving Forces Behind the Growth
The expansion is fueled by initiatives like the National Broadband Alliance for Nigeria (NBAN), which aims to extend broadband access and enable the country to capitalize on Africa’s projected $300 billion digital economy.
The rise in broadband penetration is accompanied by an all-time high in internet usage, reaching 1,000,930.6 terabytes (TB) in January 2025—a 93.35% increase from 517,670.15 TB in January 2023.
According to MTN Nigeria’s CEO, Karl Toriola, “Social media and streaming content have been crucial in driving data consumption.”
Mobile & Fixed Internet Growth
Mobile internet users: Increased to 141.65 million in January 2025 (from 138.77 million in December 2024).
Fixed-wired internet subscribers: Rose to 14,053 from 12,869 in December 2024.
Telecom Market Shifts & Number Portability Surge
A significant shift in customer preferences has led to a 190% increase in mobile number portability:
8,708 subscribers switched networks in January 2025, compared to 2,998 in December 2024.
MTN Nigeria gained 5,551 new subscribers, while Airtel added 2,414, and Globacom recorded 736.
Telecom Sector Rebound
The telecom sector witnessed a strong rebound following last year’s NIN-SIM linkage enforcement, which caused widespread SIM disconnections. Many affected users are now returning, often switching networks based on service quality and pricing.
MTN Nigeria: 87.5 million subscribers (up by 2.9 million).
Airtel: 57.6 million users (up from 56.6 million).
Globacom: 20.5 million users (up from 20.1 million).
Future Outlook
With broadband penetration rising steadily, Nigeria is well-positioned to integrate deeper into Africa’s digital economy. The NBAN initiative and improved telecom competition are expected to drive:
Lower data costs
Better service quality
Wider internet access
A McKinsey report suggests that expanding broadband access across Africa could add $300 billion to the continent’s GDP by 2025, with Nigeria set to benefit significantly in sectors like agriculture, education, healthcare, and finance.
