Nigerian ISPs Struggle as Over 18,000 Customers Disconnect in Six Months
The Nigerian internet service provider (ISP) sector is facing a period of significant upheaval, with a concerning trend emerging: over 18,000 Nigerian customers have abandoned their ISP subscriptions within the last six months. This substantial customer churn underscores the growing difficulties ISPs face within Nigeria’s challenging economic landscape, where affordability and service quality are paramount for consumer retention.
Rising Costs and Service Woes Drive Customer Exodus
According to data released by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), a collective total of 38 ISPs recorded a loss of over 18,000 subscribers between the third quarter of 2024 and the first quarter of 2025. This customer decline represents a serious challenge, especially considering that ISPs already serve a relatively small user base of under 300,000 subscribers in Nigeria. The dominance of mobile network operators, which boast over 141 million internet subscriptions, further amplifies the pressure on these smaller providers. The entrance of Starlink, a satellite internet provider that rapidly gained market share in 2023 to become the second-largest ISP, also experienced a 14% drop in subscribers within a similar timeframe, highlighting the intense competitive dynamics in the market.
In conclusion, the loss of over 18,000 customers highlights the urgent need for Nigerian ISPs to address issues of rising costs and quality of service to remain viable in the market. This trend also underscores the evolving landscape of internet access in Nigeria, where mobile networks continue to dominate, and new entrants like Starlink are facing their own challenges.
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