Nigeria's Telecom Subscriptions Climb to 179.64 Million, Teledensity Hits 82.87% — NCC

 

Nigeria's telecommunications sector continued its upward trajectory in December 2025, with total active subscriptions rising to 179.64 million from 177.43 million in November, according to the latest industry statistics released by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

This represents a month-on-month increase of approximately 2.21 million subscriptions, reflecting sustained demand for mobile and internet services across the country.

National teledensity — the number of active telephone connections per 100 inhabitants — also improved significantly, climbing to 82.87% in December from 81.84% the previous month. The gain underscores growing connectivity and access to telecom services amid Nigeria's expanding digital economy.

The NCC data further showed robust growth in active internet subscriptions, which increased to 148.17 million in December from 144.79 million in November. This rise was primarily driven by mobile GSM networks, highlighting the dominance of mobile broadband in bridging the digital divide.

The steady expansion comes after earlier fluctuations in 2025, where subscriptions dipped mid-year before recovering strongly in the latter months. Operators like MTN, Airtel, Globacom, and others have continued investments in network infrastructure, contributing to improved coverage and service quality.

Industry experts view this milestone as a positive indicator of economic recovery and digital inclusion efforts, aligning with national goals under initiatives like the National Broadband Plan. However, challenges such as infrastructure gaps in rural areas and high data costs remain areas for further policy focus.