Nigeria’s Broadband Penetration Reaches 45.61% in January 2025

Nigeria’s broadband penetration has reached 45.61% as of January 2025, up from 44.43% in December 2024, marking a notable increase in the country’s internet adoption and digital transformation efforts. According to the latest data from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), broadband subscriptions have climbed to 98.87 million, up from 96.32 million in December 2024.

This growth is part of broader efforts to expand internet access through initiatives such as the National Broadband Alliance for Nigeria (NBAN), which aims to enhance Nigeria’s participation in Africa’s projected $300 billion digital economy. The rise in broadband penetration is also coupled with a sharp increase in internet usage, reaching an all-time high of 1,000,930.6 terabytes (TB) in January 2025, a 93.35% year-on-year increase from 517,670.15 TB in January 2023.

Industry analysts attribute this surge to the growing popularity of digital services, especially streaming platforms and social media, which have played a crucial role in driving up data consumption. MTN Nigeria’s CEO, Karl Toriola, remarked, “Social media and streaming content have been crucial in driving data consumption.”

The mobile internet sector has also seen growth, with the number of mobile internet subscribers rising to 141.65 million in January 2025, up from 138.77 million the previous month. Fixed-wired internet connections have grown modestly, reaching 14,053 subscribers from 12,869 in December 2024.

The telecom sector has experienced a shift in customer preferences, evidenced by a dramatic 190% increase in mobile number portability. A total of 8,708 subscribers switched networks in January 2025, compared to 2,998 in December 2024, reflecting dissatisfaction with service quality and pricing. MTN Nigeria, Airtel, and Globacom saw significant shifts in their subscriber bases due to this trend.

In terms of overall telecom sector performance, active mobile subscriptions increased to 169.3 million in January 2025, up from 164.9 million in December 2024. MTN Nigeria, the country’s largest telecom provider, gained 2.9 million new users, bringing its total to 87.5 million subscribers. Airtel grew from 56.6 million to 57.6 million users, while Globacom saw a slight increase from 20.1 million to 20.5 million users.

The NCC also highlighted that the National Identification Number (NIN) and SIM linkage enforcement in 2024 led to a significant number of SIM disconnections, which disrupted the market. However, many affected users are returning to the telecom space and choosing different networks.

The continued rise in broadband penetration and internet usage positions Nigeria to further integrate into Africa’s digital economy. With initiatives like the NBAN, the country is on track to provide deeper internet access, benefiting sectors such as agriculture, education, healthcare, and finance.

Experts predict that the telecom sector will see increasing competition, leading to improvements in service quality, pricing, and accessibility. Looking ahead, Nigeria is expected to invest more in 5G networks, rural connectivity, and smart city initiatives, marking the next phase in the country’s digital transformation.