Nigeria’s telecommunications industry sustained its growth momentum in March 2026, with total active telecoms subscriptions rising to 185.72 million, according to the latest industry statistics released by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
The figure represents an increase from 184.60 million subscriptions recorded in February 2026, while teledensity rose from 85.16 per cent to 85.67 per cent during the same period.
The NCC data also showed continued growth in internet adoption, with total internet subscriptions reaching 153.82 million in March 2026, up from 153.13 million in February 2026. Mobile network operators accounted for the overwhelming majority of internet connections, contributing about 153.2 million of the total subscriptions.
MTN Retains Market Leadership
MTN Nigeria maintained its position as the country’s largest telecoms operator with 95.76 million subscribers, representing a 51.62 per cent market share.
Airtel Nigeria followed with 63.63 million subscribers and a 34.30 per cent market share. Globacom recorded 22.64 million subscribers, accounting for 12.20 per cent, while T2 had 3.48 million subscribers, translating to a 1.88 per cent market share.
Nine-Month Growth Trend
The latest figures highlight a consistent upward trend in telecoms subscriptions over the past nine months.
Total subscriptions increased from 169.3 million in July 2025 to 171.6 million in August, 173.5 million in September, 175.3 million in October, 177.4 million in November, and 179.6 million in December 2025.
The growth continued into 2026, with subscriptions rising to 182.2 million in January, 184.6 million in February, and 185.7 million in March.
Teledensity also climbed steadily during the period, moving from 78.11 per cent in July 2025 to 85.67 per cent in March 2026.
Internet Adoption Continues to Rise
Internet subscriptions followed a similar growth trajectory, increasing from 138.7 million in July 2025 to 140.3 million in August, 140.9 million in September, 142.6 million in October, 144.7 million in November, and 148.1 million in December 2025.
The figure further rose to 151.5 million in January 2026, 153.1 million in February, and 153.8 million in March 2026.
The sustained increase in both telecoms and internet subscriptions underscores the continued expansion of Nigeria’s digital ecosystem and growing demand for connectivity services across the country. Industry analysts expect the growth trend to continue in the coming months, driven by expanding network coverage, increasing smartphone adoption, and rising demand for digital services.
