Airtel, MTN drive Nigeria’s Internet penetration to record levels amid infrastructure push

Nigeria’s Internet penetration hit a record 53% in January, reflecting strong demand for connectivity and sustained infrastructure investments by mobile network operators expanding broadband coverage nationwide, according to the latest data from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). 

The growth was driven primarily by the country’s four largest operators. Airtel Nigeria recorded the biggest monthly gain, adding over 1.5 million Internet subscribers between December 2025 and January 2026; its largest single-month increase since April 2016. 

Airtel’s subscriber base rose to 53.5% from 52% in December, representing roughly 10.5% year-on-year growth.

Supporting this expansion, Airtel added 2,242 new network sites in 2025, a 15.5% increase, bringing its national total to nearly 16,711 sites. The operator also expanded its fibre-optic backbone by 25%, part of a push into “Fixed Internet” aimed at reducing reliance on microwave links.

Airtel also more than doubled its active 5G sites across the top 20 Nigerian cities, while upgrading over 5,032 existing sites—roughly 30% of its network—to accommodate a 46% surge in data traffic. 

MTN Nigeria followed closely, adding 1.2 million subscribers to reach 81.1 million in January, up from 73.7 million a year earlier, marking a 10% year-on-year increase. 

The figures highlight the widening gap between market leaders and smaller operators struggling to keep pace. Despite these gains, Nigeria continues to face challenges in reaching its national broadband target of 70%, which was missed in 2025. 

Sustained investment in fibre, 4G, and 5G infrastructure remains critical to accelerate digital inclusion and meet ambitious connectivity goals.

Globacom, the country’s third-largest operator, added 557,243 subscribers in January, bringing its total to 15.4 million, up from 14.8 million in December. 

The telco continues to recover from losses linked to the Nigerian Communications Commission’s regulatory audit in April 2024, signaling steady progress among smaller operators even as the leading players dominate growth.

T2 Mobile, formerly 9mobile, also continued its upward trajectory, growing its internet subscriber base by 63,574 to reach 843,811 in January, signaling steady progress among smaller operators despite the dominance of market leaders.