December 30, 2025/CSL Update

According to the latest data from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), active mobile subscriptions increased by 17.57 million year on year (+10.99%) to 177.43 million in November 2025, compared with 159.85 million in November 2024. On a month-on-month basis, subscriptions rose by 2.34 million (+1.34%), from 175.32 million in October 2025 to 177.43 million in November 2025. We expect this upward trend to continue into 2026, as many of the structural constraints that previously weighed on the sector have largely been addressed.

A significant number of previously deactivated lines are being reactivated following compliance with SIM registration and NIN-linkage requirements, alongside ongoing improvements by network operators in onboarding and reactivation processes. Together, these factors should support a sustained recovery in active mobile subscriptions going forward.

Operator performance in November 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 857,594 subscribers, bringing its total customer base to 91.94 million, up from 91.08 million in the previous month.

Airtel also posted strong growth, adding 809,550 subscribers to reach 59.85 million (October: 59.04 million). Globacom maintained its upward trajectory, expanding its subscriber base by 381,173 to 22.22 million, compared to 21.83 million in October. Meanwhile, T2 subscribers increased from 3.13 million in October to 3.19 million in November, reinforcing the broad-based growth across the industry.

Looking ahead, we expect subscriber growth to accelerate as we head into the new year, 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 – 30 December 2025 – Telecoms.pdf