Nigeria’s Mobile Internet Connections Soar to 158.2 Million, Reflecting Digital Boom

The latest industry report released by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) revealed that Nigeria’s active subscriptions for mobile internet connections rose to 158.2 million in April this year.

The NCC revealed that the rise of internet subscriptions in April, represented a 0.4% growth when compared with the 157.5 million recorded in March.

VOIP operators which include Smile Communications and Ntel accounted for 338,693 internet subscriptions as of April, while other internet service providers (ISPs) accounted for 204,810 internet subscriptions.

Mobile network operators which include MTN, Airtel, Globacom, and 9mobile, maintained their market dominance, contributing the majority of internet service.

Investors King understands that despite the increase in the number of subscriptions recorded in April, broadband penetration declined to 48.14% from 48.21% recorded in March.  This represented about 91.8 million. decline in April, having plunged from 92 million in March.

However, it is understood that Nigeria’s internet subscriptions have so far been on an upward trajectory after it soared by 2.7 million in the first quarter (Q1) of 2023.

This milestone is attributed to the implementation of the National Broadband Plan (NBP 2020-2025) in Nigeria by the federal government, which has led to a rise in broadband subscriptions in the country.

These statistics show how internet access is continuing to grow in Nigeria and how mobile network carriers continue to dominate the market for internet services. The constant increase in internet subscribers demonstrates the nation’s growing reliance on digital connection and highlights its significance in many facets of everyday life and commercial operations.

The government’s plan to achieve 70% broadband penetration by 2025, looks achievable as the nation has continued to record positive growth in broadband penetration. The FG plan is designed to deliver data download speeds across the country of a minimum 25Mbps in urban areas, and 10Mbps in rural areas, with effective coverage available to at least 90% of the population by 2025 at a price not more than N390 per 1GB of data (i.e. 2% of median income or 1% of minimum wage).

It was recognized that the rollout of broadband services will address various socio-economic challenges faced by the country, including the need to grow its economy, create jobs, rapidly expand the tax base, and improve digital literacy and educational standards.

Also, the rollout of 4G and 5G by telecom operators in Nigeria, has boosted the federal government’s plan to increase broadband penetrations across the country.