December 16, 2025/CSL Research

According to the latest data from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), active mobile subscriptions increased by 17.48 million year-on-year (+11.09%) to 175.08 million in October 2025, up from 157.60 million in October 2024.

On a month-on-month basis, total subscriptions rose by 1.54 million (+0.89%), from 173.54 million in September 2025 to 175.08 million in October 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 741,172 subscribers, bringing its total customer base to 91.08 million, up from 90.34 million in the previous month. Airtel also posted strong growth, adding 569,083 subscribers to reach 59.04 million (September: 58.47 million). Globacom maintained its upward trajectory, expanding its subscriber base by 442,160 to 21.83 million, compared to 21.39 million in September. Meanwhile, T2 subscribers increased from 3.11 million in September to 3.13 million in October, 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 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 – 16 December 2025 – Telecoms.pdf​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​