Nigeria's Mobile Subscribers Exceed 200 Million in 2026

As of October 2026, Nigeria's active mobile subscriber base has exceeded 200 million, reaching 200.3 million, up from 195.11 million in July 2026, according to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). This increase of approximately 5.22 million lines in three months reflects a recovery in lost connections and a competitive market focused on data consumption.

Major operators include MTN Nigeria, which surpassed 100 million subscribers in July 2026, and Airtel Nigeria, with 66.12 million subscribers. MTN holds 51.38% of the market share, while Airtel has 34.44%.

The shift towards data services is evident, with 4G and 5G connections comprising 58.92% of the market as of June 2026. Airtel's 2026 annual report noted a customer base of 58.3 million and a significant increase in data usage.

MTN's data revenue reached about N1.70 trillion, surpassing its voice revenue of N993.46 billion, indicating a crucial shift in telecom consumption dynamics.