Nigeria Loses 43 Million Active Subscribers in One Yea
Nigeria’s telecommunications industry has recorded a significant decline, losing over 43 million active subscribers in just one year, according to new data from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). The report reveals that total active mobile lines dropped sharply, signaling one of the steepest subscriber losses in the country’s telecom history.
The decline, industry analysts say, is tied to multiple factors, including the strict enforcement of the National Identification Number (NIN)-SIM linkage policy. Many subscribers who failed to link their SIM cards to their NINs were deactivated, leading to millions of disconnections nationwide.
Economic challenges have also contributed to the decline. Rising inflation, naira devaluation, and increasing data costs have forced many users to reduce their mobile spending. As a result, millions of Nigerians now operate fewer active lines or share data and airtime resources with family members.
The loss has impacted all major telecom operators, including MTN, Glo, Airtel, and 9mobile. MTN, which remains the market leader, reported the highest loss in absolute numbers, while smaller operators saw a larger percentage decline in their subscriber base. The drop has also affected network usage, with lower voice and data traffic being recorded across multiple regions.
Experts warn that this trend could slow down Nigeria’s progress toward digital inclusion and broadband penetration goals. With fewer active users, telecom companies may face reduced revenues, making it harder to invest in infrastructure expansion, 5G deployment, and rural connectivity.
The Nigerian Communications Commission has acknowledged the challenge and is working closely with operators to restore confidence and streamline user verification processes. The NCC also plans to intensify awareness campaigns to educate Nigerians about SIM registration compliance and mobile service security.
Consumer behavior is also shifting. Many subscribers now rely more on Wi-Fi networks and internet-based communication apps instead of traditional calls and SMS. This transition, though beneficial for digital growth, poses new challenges for telecom operators struggling to balance infrastructure costs and evolving customer demands.
Meanwhile, analysts believe the subscriber loss could be temporary. As economic conditions stabilize and digital awareness spreads, millions of disconnected users may return to active status. The government’s push for improved telecom infrastructure and lower data costs may also help reverse the trend.
Despite the decline, Nigeria’s telecom sector remains one of the largest in Africa, with over 200 million total connections and vast potential for recovery. Experts agree that better regulatory coordination, affordable data plans, and stronger consumer trust will be key to regaining momentum in 2025 and beyond.