Nigeria’s telecommunications sector has recorded continued growth in subscriber connections and internet usage, with telecom operators adding millions of new SIM cards as Nigerians increasingly rely on mobile networks for communication, business, entertainment and digital services.
Available industry data indicate that telecommunications operators added about 12.8 million new SIM subscriptions, reflecting sustained demand for mobile connectivity across the country.
The growth in subscriptions has been accompanied by a significant increase in internet usage, with Nigerians consuming approximately 10.2 million terabytes (TB) of data during the period under review.
The surge highlights the growing importance of telecommunications infrastructure to Nigeria’s digital economy, as individuals and businesses increasingly depend on mobile internet for financial transactions, e-commerce, social media, online education, streaming and other digital activities.
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has consistently reported strong growth in data consumption. In June 2026 alone, Nigerians consumed about 1.53 million TB of data, bringing first-half 2026 consumption to approximately 8.51 million TB.
The country’s active telephone subscriptions also rose to 192.23 million in June 2026, up from 189.68 million in May, while broadband subscriptions increased to 123.11 million.
The increasing demand for data is being driven by the expansion of 4G and 5G networks, greater smartphone adoption and the growing use of digital platforms.
Industry operators are consequently under pressure to expand network capacity and invest in fibre infrastructure, spectrum, base stations and other telecommunications facilities.
The NCC has previously disclosed that Nigeria’s monthly data consumption reached more than 1.42 million TB in March 2026, equivalent to about 45,800 TB every day.
The continued growth in subscriptions and data traffic underscores the critical role of the telecommunications sector in supporting Nigeria’s digital transformation and connecting more citizens to the digital economy.
