Nigeria’s internet penetration reached a record 53% in January, reflecting rising demand for connectivity and continued infrastructure investments by mobile operators, according to data from the Nigerian Communications Commission.
Growth was largely driven by the country’s leading operators. Airtel Nigeria recorded the largest monthly increase, adding more than 1.5 million internet subscribers between December 2025 and January 2026—its biggest single-month gain since 2016—bringing its base to 53.5 million subscribers and marking roughly 10.5% year-on-year growth. The expansion was supported by major network investments, including the addition of 2,242 new sites in 2025, a 15.5% increase, as well as a 25% expansion of its fiber backbone and the doubling of active 5G sites across the country’s top 20 cities.
MTN Nigeria also posted strong growth, adding 1.2 million subscribers to reach 81.1 million in January, up 10% year-on-year. Meanwhile, Globacom added 557,243 subscribers to reach 15.4 million, continuing its recovery following the regulator’s audit in 2024. 9mobile, now operating as T2 Mobile, increased its internet subscriber base by 63,574 to 843,811.
Despite this momentum, Nigeria still faces challenges in achieving its national broadband target of 70%, underscoring the need for continued investments in fiber, 4G, and 5G infrastructure to accelerate digital inclusion.
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