Nigeria’s Telecom Boom: Nearly 170 Million Active Phone Subscribers Propel Digital Growth
Nigeria’s telecommunications sector stands as a pivotal force, actively shaping the nation’s digital landscape by fostering connectivity, stimulating economic prosperity, and driving technological advancement. This dynamic industry, boasting millions of subscribers and generating substantial revenue, is undeniably a cornerstone of Nigeria’s ambitious digital journey, illustrating its profound impact on the West African nation’s progress.
Unprecedented Growth and Economic Impact
The latest figures from the Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC) reveal a remarkable milestone: as of January 2025, Nigeria recorded 169 million active phone subscriptions. This impressive number signifies that 78% of the country’s estimated 216 million people are now connected, marking a substantial leap forward compared to previous years. This surge in connectivity is mirrored by the industry’s significant financial expansion. Revenue has skyrocketed from ₦2.25 trillion in 2018 to a staggering ₦3.86 trillion by 2022. Mobile services, particularly Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), are the primary drivers of this revenue, underscoring the indispensable role mobile phones play in the daily lives of Nigerians. Furthermore, expanding internet penetration is a crucial catalyst for this growth, with 142,161,409 internet subscribers. Of these, 141,655,587 are mobile internet users, highlighting the dominance of mobile access. Fixed wired internet contributes 14,053 subscriptions, with Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) also contributing to the country’s broadening digital access.
The robust expansion of Nigeria’s telecommunications industry underscores its critical role in the nation’s development. From empowering individuals with mobile connectivity to driving significant economic growth and deepening digital inclusion, this sector remains a fundamental engine for Nigeria’s future, continually bridging the digital divide and unlocking new opportunities across the continent.
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