83.2% of Nigerian phone users are internet subscribers – NCC data

Latest industry data show that about 83.2% of Nigerian phone users are now connected to the internet, underscoring how Nigerians are increasingly penetrating the digital space. This means that for every 100 phone users in Nigeria, about 83 of them are connected to the internet.

The Nigerian Communications Commission’s (NCC) updated data for January 2026 shows a significant spike that substantiates the rise. 

Internet subscribers increased by 2.3% to 151.6 million in January, while total telecoms subscribers now stood at 182.2 million from 179.6 million in December 2025.  

Further breakdown shows that nearly 151 million of the internet users subscribe via mobile (GSM), while about 555,000 are connected via fixed wired, internet service providers (ISPs) and Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP).

In terms of startups with the highest telecom subscribers, MTN Nigeria maintains its leading position with 94.2 million (51.78% share), representing half of Nigeria’s telecom subscribers. Airtel Nigeria followed with 62 million (34.09%), Globacom with 22.5 million (12.34%), while T2mobile (formerly 9mobile) trails behind with 3.3 million subscribers (1.79% share).

Smartphone adoption fuels internet users

For Nigeria, the increase in internet subscribers is a welcome development. The country and Africa in general have faced significant smartphone adoption, especially in remote areas where the GDP per capita is low. 

Numbers show the struggle. In 2024, only 38% of Africa’s population was online compared to a 68% global average. A GSMA report, Mobile Economy Africa 2025, revealed that about 960 million people in Africa (64% of the population) remain unconnected despite living in areas with coverage. 

Nigeria’s development at the start of 2026 is a boost in relation to device affordability and digital skills barriers.

With increasing interest in online presence comes a spike in smartphone usage. Aside from this, fintechs such as Moniepoint, OPay and Palmpay are deepening their penetration into remote areas with the rise in financial inclusion.

The latest data also reflects the increase in Africa’s smartphone shipments, which hit 84.4 million in 2025, representing a 13% YoY growth. The performance, which represents Africa’s strongest recovery since 2021, saw Nigeria expand smartphone shipments in 2025 by 25%, driven by a sustained uptake in 4G-enabled smartphones.

While there have been fears of a hike in smartphone prices due to the refocus of chips on AI models, the GSMA Coalition (G6) in Africa offered relief to alleviate the fears.

The G6 group of leading African telcos, which includes Airtel, Axian Telecom, Ethio Telecom, MTN, Orange and Vodacom, will be piloting affordable 4G smartphones in six African countries: Nigeria, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Ethiopia, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda

The low-cost 4G devices, priced at approximately ₦55,000 ($40), will enhance affordability and bridge digital inclusion.

Also Read: Telecoms contributed 8.3% to Nigeria’s real GDP in 2025.

Slow adoption of 4G, 5G networks

New age networks are witnessing an increase, although at a slow pace, especially the 5G network, which now has a market share of 3.94%, the lowest among all networks. 4G network holds the largest market share at 53.41%, a 0.76 percentage point increase from December.

On a positive note for the industry, 2G and 3G are declining. The former now stands at 37.37%, the second largest network in Nigeria, while the latter held just 5.67%. 

The strong market share of 2G shows that while the network is gradually phasing out, a certain proportion of Nigerians are still using basic phones or switching to the 2G network for mobile data management. 

NCC’s data also show that broadband penetration has reached 53.07% with 115 million subscribers, revealing the increasing number of users working with high-speed internet. 

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