Nigeria’s telecommunications sector continued its steady upward trajectory in the third quarter of 2025, powered by growing demand for mobile data and broadband services. Despite economic challenges impacting other industries, telecom operators maintained robust performance, highlighting the sector’s resilience and central role in Nigeria’s digital economy.
Latest data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) revealed a real year-on-year growth of 5.78% for telecoms in Q3 2025, slightly below the previous quarter’s 6.1%. Telecommunications accounted for 9.1% of the country’s total GDP during the period, ranking it among the top three contributors to national economic output, just behind Crop Production and Trade.
Mobile adoption continues to surge, with subscriptions surpassing 220 million and smartphone usage expanding in both urban and rural areas. Internet services, particularly for fintech, e-commerce, digital media, and enterprise solutions, have been key drivers of growth. The ICT sector remains highly resilient, with telecommunications contributing over 80% of its total output.
Industry analysts attribute the sector’s sustained growth to strategic investments by telecom operators in fibre-optic networks, data centres, and 5G readiness. These investments have helped maintain performance even amid rising energy costs, foreign exchange pressures, and inflation, which have challenged operating margins and consumer spending.
Looking ahead, experts predict stronger growth in Q4 2025 as festive-season data consumption and business activity peak. With continued infrastructure investment and adoption of next-generation technologies, mobile data demand is expected to keep telecommunications at the heart of Nigeria’s economic expansion, driving both enterprise innovation and digital inclusion.
source: The Sun