Nigeria’s active telecommunications subscriptions increased to 192.23 million in June 2026 from 189.68 million in May, while teledensity rose to 88.67 per cent, according to the latest data from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
The figures also showed that broadband penetration increased from 56.11 per cent in May to 56.79 per cent in June.
The increase represents an additional 2.56 million active telecom subscriptions within one month, reflecting continued demand for mobile connectivity for communication, business, financial services and other digital activities.
MTN Nigeria retained its position as the market leader with 98.64 million subscribers, representing 51.38 per cent market share.
Airtel followed with 66.12 million subscribers and 34.44 per cent market share, while Globacom recorded 23.68 million subscribers, representing 12.34 per cent.
T2 had 3.54 million subscribers, accounting for 1.84 per cent market share.
The NCC data also showed that 4G remained the dominant mobile technology, accounting for 54.31 per cent of connections.
2G accounted for 36.22 per cent, 3G for 4.86 per cent and 5G for 4.61 per cent.
Broadband subscriptions increased from 121.64 million in May to 123.11 million in June, pushing penetration to 56.79 per cent.
However, internet subscriptions recorded a marginal decline from 157.41 million in May to 156.86 million in June.
Despite the decline in the number of internet subscriptions, data consumption increased during the period.
Internet usage rose from 1,504,067.36 terabytes in May to 1,532,172.67TB in June, representing an increase of 28,105.31TB.
The growth indicates increasing demand for data services and is expected to place additional pressure on telecom operators to expand network capacity and infrastructure.
Airtel Africa Group Chief Executive Officer, Sunil Taldar, recently highlighted the rapid growth in data consumption across the continent.
“Our data growth, volume growth is upwards of 50 percent. To support this, one is coverage expansion.
“If you look at Africa, we see a huge opportunity. There is still only about 50 percent telecommunications penetration and about 50 percent smartphone penetration,” he said.
The latest figures come amid continued investment by telecom operators in network expansion, fibre infrastructure, spectrum and newer technologies, including 4G and 5G.
The telecommunications sector contributed 9.19 per cent to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the first quarter of 2026, underscoring its growing importance to the national economy.
The industry supports a wide range of activities, including fintech, e-commerce, banking, education, transportation, entertainment and other digital services.
Industry stakeholders have continued to call for sustained investment in broadband infrastructure, improved network quality and stronger protection of critical telecommunications infrastructure.
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