Nigeria’s telecommunications industry is showing strong signs of recovery, with active mobile subscriptions climbing to 189.4 million in May 2026, the highest level recorded since April 2024. According to the latest data released by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the increase marks a significant turnaround after years of subscriber declines caused by nationwide SIM registration compliance exercises and the deactivation of improperly registered lines. The rebound reflects renewed confidence in the sector as operators continue to expand their services across the country.
Leading the market once again is MTN Nigeria, which retained its dominant position with 96.9 million active subscribers, representing 51.19% of Nigeria’s mobile market. Airtel Nigeria followed with 65.4 million subscribers, accounting for 34.55% of the market. Meanwhile, Globacom maintained third place with 23.4 million subscribers (12.39%), while T2, formerly known as 9mobile, remained the smallest operator with 3.5 million active subscribers. The figures highlight the widening gap between the country’s largest telecom providers and smaller competitors.
The latest subscriber growth signals a gradual recovery for Nigeria’s telecom industry after a difficult period that saw millions of SIM cards disconnected due to stricter regulatory enforcement. The NCC’s efforts to eliminate inactive and improperly registered SIM cards initially caused a sharp decline in subscriber numbers, but the steady increase recorded in recent months suggests that the market is regaining momentum as consumers reconnect and new users join mobile networks.
Despite the industry’s overall improvement, challenges remain for some operators. T2 has continued to struggle with subscriber growth despite its rebranding from 9mobile and an infrastructure-sharing partnership with MTN signed in 2025. Once boasting more than 22 million subscribers, the company has found it difficult to rebuild its customer base amid increasing competition, network investment demands, and customer retention challenges. Its subscriber count has remained around the three-million mark for several months, underscoring the competitive pressures within Nigeria’s telecom market.
Industry experts believe the recovery could strengthen Nigeria’s digital economy if operators sustain investments in network expansion, digital infrastructure, and improved customer experience. As demand for internet access, mobile banking, and digital services continues to rise, analysts say future growth will depend on better service quality, wider network coverage, affordable connectivity, and the ability of telecom companies to manage rising operational costs. With mobile subscriptions serving as a key measure of digital inclusion, the sector’s continued expansion is expected to play a crucial role in Nigeria’s economic development.
source: punch
