November 7, 2025/CSL Research

According to the latest data from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), active mobile subscriptions increased by 18.64 million year-on-year (+12.03%) to 173.54 million in September 2025, up from 154.91 million in September 2024. On a month-on-month basis, total subscriptions rose by 1.98 million (+1.15%), from 171.57 million in August 2025 to 173.54 million in September 2025. We expect this upward trend in subscriber growth to continue over the coming months, as many of the structural challenges that previously constrained the sector have been largely resolved.

A significant number of previously deactivated lines are being reactivated following compliance with SIM registration and NIN-linkage requirements, while network operators continue to improve their onboarding and reactivation processes. These developments should support a steady recovery in active mobile subscriptions going forward.

Operator performance in September 2025 remained broadly positive, underscoring the continued recovery of Nigeria’s telecommunications sector. MTN Nigeria, the largest operator by market share, recorded a net addition of 700,106 subscribers, bringing its total customer base to 90.34 million, up from 89.64 million in the previous month. Airtel also posted strong growth, adding 396,624 subscribers to reach 58.47 million (August: 58.07 million). Globacom maintained its upward trajectory, expanding its subscriber base by 477,188 to 21.39 million, compared to 20.92 million in August. Meanwhile, T2 subscribers increased from 2.73 million in August to 3.11 million in September, reinforcing the broad-based growth across the industry.

Looking ahead, we expect subscriber growth to accelerate in the coming months, supported by the reactivation of previously deactivated lines and the ongoing resumption of new SIM registrations. Structurally, the sector remains well-positioned for sustained long-term expansion, underpinned by Nigeria’s large, youthful, and increasingly digital population. With significant headroom for telecom penetration, rising smartphone adoption, continued 4G and 5G network rollout, and deepening broadband usage, we maintain a positive outlook for the Nigerian telecommunications sector. These dynamics should continue to drive revenue growth, innovation, and investment across the industry in the years ahead

Click here to download full report: CSL Nigeria Daily – 07 November 2025 – Telecoms .pdf​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​