Telecom Subscribers Reach 185.7 million as Internet Users Grow to 153.8 million

Emma Okonji

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) released new telecoms statistics showing that the total number of subscribers across all networks reached 185,718,018 in March 2026, up from 184,603,928 in February 2026.

Teledensity rose to 85.67 percent in March 2026, compared with 85.16 percent in February.

Internet subscribers, including mobile data users, totaled 153,820,556 in March 2026, an increase from 153,134,987 in February.

According to the NCC data obtained by THISDAY, MTN led the market with 95,759,210 subscribers and a 51.62 percent share, followed by Airtel with 63,629,101 subscribers (34.30 percent), Globacom with 22,639,893 subscribers (12.20 percent), and T2 with 3,478,544 subscribers (1.88 percent).

The figures show steady growth over nine months from July 2025 to March 2026.

In July 2025, telecom subscriptions were 169.3 million with a teledensity of 78.11 percent. By August 2025, subscriptions rose to 171.6 million and teledensity to 79.14 percent. September 2025 saw 173.5 million subscriptions and 80.05 percent teledensity. October 2025 recorded 175.3 million subscriptions and 80.87 percent teledensity. November 2025 reached 177.4 million subscriptions and 81.84 percent teledensity. December 2025 had 179.6 million subscriptions and 82.87 percent teledensity.

In January 2026, subscriptions increased to 182.2 million with a teledensity of 84.06 percent. February 2026 saw 184.6 million subscriptions and 85.16 percent teledensity. March 2026 reached 185.7 million subscriptions and 85.67 percent teledensity.

Internet subscriber data also grew over the same nine‑month period, with mobile internet users leading. By March 2026, the total number of internet subscribers was 153.8 million, of which 153.2 million were mobile internet users from GSM operators such as MTN, Airtel, Globacom, and T2.

In July 2025, total internet subscribers were 138.7 million. August 2025 increased to 140.3 million, September 2025 to 140.9 million, October 2025 to 142.6 million, November 2025 to 144.7 million, and December 2025 to 148.1 million.

January 2026 saw 151.5 million internet subscribers, February 2026 153.1 million, and March 2026 153.8 million, according to the latest NCC statistics.

The consistent growth in both telecom subscriptions and internet subscriber data suggests that the telecom industry’s upward trajectory is likely to continue in the coming months.