Nigeria witnessed a significant surge in internet subscribers during March 2025, with figures increasing by over 650,000 to reach 153.82 million. This growth is predominantly fueled by mobile internet subscriptions, underscoring the widespread affordability of mobile data and the prevalence of smartphone usage for internet access among Nigerians. The data highlights that the majority of the population connects online and engages with social media through their mobile devices.

While mobile/GSM accounts for the lion's share of internet subscribers, other access methods also contribute to the nation's connectivity landscape. Internet Service Providers (ISPs) follow distantly with 313,713 users, while Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services cater to 218,351 users. Fixed wired connections, notably boosted by MTN FibreX, have experienced a sharp rise over the past six months, now serving 137,074 subscribers. This diverse mix reflects varying access preferences and infrastructure availability across the country.

In terms of network technology adoption, 4G continues to assert its dominance, holding a 53.79% share of the Nigerian market, a slight increase of 0.17%. This sustained growth indicates a continued shift towards and adoption of 4G-enabled smartphones among users. Conversely, 5G technology is still in its nascent stages, experiencing slow growth with only a 4.20% share after a modest 0.14% addition from February; coverage capacity remains its primary hurdle. Meanwhile, 2G and 3G networks are steadily phasing out, with their shares declining to 36.75% and 5.30%, respectively, as users migrate to more advanced technologies.

Despite the expanding internet user base, affordability remains a significant challenge for low-income earners and individuals in remote areas. In response, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has unveiled intervention plans aimed at reducing the price of smartphones across the country. During a recent media parley in Abuja, Aminu Maida, the NCC's Executive Vice Chairman, acknowledged the prohibitive cost of smartphones as a barrier for many Nigerians. He stated that efforts are underway to facilitate access to more affordable options, noting, "We are looking at how cheaper smartphones can be introduced into the market." This initiative is expected to further drive smartphone penetration and enhance internet connectivity for more Nigerians in the long term, supporting the nation's transition to smarter and faster connectivity.

Overall, Nigeria's total telecoms user base has swelled to 185.7 million, with major Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) such as MTN, Airtel, Globacom, and T2mobile collectively accounting for an overwhelming 99.9% share of these subscribers, underscoring their critical role in the country's telecommunications sector.