According to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), there were 2.7 million more active internet subscribers in Nigeria in the first quarter of this year. By the end of March, the nation had 157.5 million internet connections in total, up from 154.8 million in December 2022. The growth rate throughout this time period indicated by the rise is 1.7%.
With a combined total of 156.9 million members, the main mobile network operators, including MTN, Airtel, Globacom, and 9mobile, continued to rule the market for internet service providers. Additionally, 340,614 internet subscriptions were provided by VOIP providers Smile and Ntel, while 221,267 subscribers came from other ISPs.
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.
Broadband subscriptions, or high-speed internet access, also increased, going from 90.4 million in December of last year to 92 million at the end of the first quarter of 2023. At the end of March, this increased the country's broadband penetration to 48.21%.
The nation's efforts to execute the National Broadband Plan (NBP 2020–2025) are paying off, as seen by the rise in broadband subscribers. The government set a target of 70% broadband penetration to be attained by 2025 in the plan. The nationwide rollout of the telecoms' 4G service is helping to increase broadband penetration.
