Nigeria’s internet landscape continues to evolve rapidly, with the number of active internet subscribers climbing to 142.6 million as of October 2025, according to the latest industry figures released by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). This figure shows a steady increase from the 140.9 million recorded in September 2025, highlighting sustained growth in online connectivity across the country.
The growth in active internet users reflects contributions from multiple technologies, including mobile networks, fixed wired services, and Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) platforms. However, the majority of Nigerian internet users access the web through Mobile Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) technology, which continues to maintain an overwhelming lead in the market.
As of October 2025, 142,004,662 of the total active internet subscriptions were through Mobile GSM, making it the overwhelmingly preferred mode of connectivity in Nigeria. Among the mobile operators, MTN leads the pack with 78,149,569 subscribers, followed by Airtel’s 49,270,318 users, while Globacom and T2 (formerly 9mobile) serve 13,829,813 and 754,962 subscribers respectively.
These numbers indicate that Nigerian telecoms firms have significantly expanded their networks to bring more people online, even as the sector faces broader economic headwinds. The data also illustrates just how dominant mobile internet has become in a country where many people access the internet primarily via smartphones rather than through home broadband connections.
Looking back at earlier months in 2025, the active internet subscriber base has fluctuated but generally trended upward. January recorded 142.16 million, February saw 141.25 million, and March rose again to 142.05 million. April and May figures hovered above 141 million, while July dipped slightly below 139 million before gradually rising again in August and September. By October, Nigeria returned to the 142.6 million mark.
Industry observers attribute this resilience to ongoing investments in infrastructure, particularly the installation of new fibre-optic cables and network expansion projects by telecom companies. These investments are expected to further increase connectivity figures when subsequent NCC releases for November and December are published. “By the time NCC releases another industry statistics in November and December this year, the figures will definitely appreciate,” noted Gbenga Adebayo, Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecom Operators of Nigeria (ALTON).
While mobile internet leads in sheer numbers, Nigeria’s fixed broadband services and internet connections through other technologies continue to play a role, albeit a much smaller one. Growth in broadband accessibility has been slower, with only a portion of internet users subscribing to fixed or wired/wireless broadband services. Structural challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, especially outside urban centres, remain a barrier.
Despite nearing record-high subscription numbers, Nigeria’s overall broadband penetration still trails behind the national targets set out in the National Broadband Plan (2020–2025). For instance, broadband penetration was reported at around 45.6 percent by early 2025, below the target of 70 percent. This gap suggests that while millions are online, a significant part of the population, particularly in rural communities does not yet have reliable high-speed internet access.
Growth in internet subscriptions also comes with broader implications for the economy. A more connected population fuels digital entrepreneurship, boosts e-commerce activity, and enhances digital financial services, driving overall economic productivity. Strong internet usage underpins the expansion of digital platforms serving sectors like education, entertainment, and business services, making connectivity a core enabler of Nigeria’s digital future.
From an economic perspective, increased internet penetration supports job creation and innovation. As connectivity rises, digital SMEs (small and medium enterprises) and tech startups gain larger customer bases, while access to digital financial services becomes more widespread, enhancing efficiency in payments and commerce. Broader internet access also correlates with improved access to information, healthcare resources, and education, helping bridge development gaps across regions.
However, the telecom sector’s contribution to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has shown mixed trends. Earlier in 2025, telecom’s share of GDP dipped from
