April 26, 2023/CSL Research

According to a report from the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the total number of active voice subscribers in Q4 2022 grew by 13.87% to 222,571,568 from 195,463,898 reported in Q4 2021. On a quarter-on-quarter basis, voice subscribers grew by 4.89%. Also, in Q4 2022, the total number of active internet subscribers increased to 154,847,901 from 141,971,560 reported in Q4 2021, showing an increase of 9.07%. On a quarter-on-quarter basis, internet subscribers grew by 1.35%. Lagos State had the highest number of active voice users in 2022 at 26.5 million while Bayelsa had the least number of voice users at 1.6 million subscribers. Lagos State also had the highest number of internet users at 18.7 million subscribers, while Bayelsa recorded the least number of 1.1 million internet users.

The ICT sector remains one of the bright lights in the rather gloomy Nigerian economy. The increase in both voice and internet usage could be directly attributed to Nigeria’s rapid transition from an analog economy to a digital economy and to the impact of covid-19 which forced persons and businesses to communicate and operate remotely. The sustenance of most of Nigeria’s businesses depends largely on the ability to leverage new technologies to
boost revenues and do business on an international scale. Also, the recovery by telcos of old voice customers who were caught off due to the Sim-NIN saga has also boosted the increase in voice subscribers.

MTN Nigeria contributed significantly to the increase in internet and voice subscriptions in Q4 2022 as it recorded the highest number of active voice subscribers (85.02 million), followed by Globacom (60.29 million), and Airtel at 60.07 million. MTN also reported the highest number of internet users (65.62 million), followed by Globacom (43.05 million) and Airtel (41.17 million) in Q4 Nigeria. MTN Nigeria remains the leader in the telecom sector. The company’s impressive roll-out of its 5G spectrum, the expansion of its 4G network (broadband penetration of 74% in 2022), and the scaling up of its fintech operations have all contributed to its sustained growth. Looking ahead, we believe that new technologies, increasing smartphone usage, and rising digital consciousness will continue to drive the increase in the number of active voice and internet subscribers in the country.

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