The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has disclosed that internet subscriptions in Nigeria climbed to 134.78 million in October 2024, reflecting an increase of 1.88 million from the 132.9 million recorded in September. The statistics, contained in the NCC’s latest industry report released on Wednesday, highlight the steady growth in digital connectivity across the country.
According to the report, mobile (GSM) subscribers accounted for the bulk of internet users, totaling 134.27 million. The remaining subscriptions came from fixed wired and VoIP services. The report also revealed that most major telecommunication operators recorded notable increases in internet subscriptions during the review period, with the exception of 9mobile, which experienced a decline.
MTN Nigeria maintained its position as the market leader, adding 1.13 million new internet users, bringing its total subscriptions from 68.39 million in September to 69.52 million in October. Airtel followed closely, gaining 678,219 subscribers to reach 45.47 million, up from 44.79 million in the previous month. Globacom also saw growth, adding 184,887 users to rise from 16.92 million to 17.10 million. Meanwhile, 9mobile suffered a loss of 125,780 subscribers, reducing its internet user base from 2.29 million to 2.16 million.
In terms of overall telephony subscriptions, the total number of active users across all networks increased to 157.37 million in October, a significant rise from 154.9 million in September. MTN again led the pack with 80.37 million subscribers, followed by Airtel with 54.44 million. Globacom recorded 19.10 million users, while 9mobile trailed with 3.33 million active subscriptions.
Broadband penetration in the country also saw an improvement, reaching 42.24 percent in October compared to 41.56 percent in September. Broadband penetration, as measured by dividing total broadband subscriptions by the population, continues to serve as an indicator of the country’s expanding digital infrastructure.
Additionally, data consumption surged during the period, with total usage rising to 870,398.28 terabytes in October, compared to 850,249.09 terabytes in September. The NCC also noted an increase in the adoption of generational network technologies. Usage of 5G networks grew by 2.33 percent, while 4G adoption soared by 46.27 percent. Even 3G networks saw growth, with a 9.40 percent rise in usage.
The NCC’s report underscores the ongoing expansion of Nigeria’s telecommunications sector, driven by advancements in technology, increased data consumption, and a growing appetite for digital services.
