- Decline in Internet Users: Nigeria’s telecom sector lost approximately 1 million internet users in February 2025 due to a 50% tariff hike.
- Data Consumption Impacted: Data consumption dropped by 12% in February but saw a marginal rebound in March with an 11.5% increase.
- Resilience in Telephone Users: The telecom industry added 3.39 million new telephone users between January and March.
- Market Dominance: MTN led in internet users and active telephone lines, followed by Airtel, Globacom, and 9mobile.
- Porting Activities: 9mobile experienced significant subscriber loss, with 5,809 customers porting out in both February and March.
Nigeria’s telecommunications sector saw a notable decline in internet users following a 50% tariff hike on voice, data, and SMS services implemented in January 2025. According to the Nigerian Communications Commission, the industry lost approximately one million internet users in February, with the user base shrinking from 142.16 million to 141.25 million.
Although a slight recovery was observed in March, with the figure rising to 142.05 million, the sector’s data consumption patterns were significantly impacted. Data consumption dropped by 12% in February, but saw a marginal rebound in March with an 11.5% increase.
Despite this, the telecom industry demonstrated resilience in other areas, adding 3.39 million new telephone users between January and March. Mobile Network Operators maintained their dominance, with MTN leading in internet users and active telephone lines.
The industry figures highlight the complexities facing Nigeria’s telecom sector as operators navigate economic pressures and evolving consumer behaviors. Porting activities also showed significant numbers, with 9mobile experiencing a decline in its subscriber base.
