2023 marked a new record high for the number of active mobile lines in Nigeria

Key takeaways

  • Nigeria’s active mobile GSM lines reached an all-time high of 224 million in 2023, up from 222 million in 2022.
  • The number of active lines has grown steadily from 40 million in 2007, with notable surges in 2012 (110 million), 2018 (172 million), and 2020 (204 million).
  • Growth slowed between 2016 and 2017, where active lines dipped slightly from 154 million to 145 million, before resuming an upward trajectory.
  • With over 220 million active lines, Nigeria remains one of Africa’s largest telecom markets, driven by increasing mobile adoption.

The number of active GSM lines in Nigeria has grown significantly over the past 16 years, reaching a record 224 million in 2023. Starting at 40 million in 2007, Nigeria’s mobile penetration expanded rapidly, surpassing 100 million by 2012 and 200 million by 2020.

However, the market experienced a brief decline in 2017 and 2021. Since then, growth has resumed, with 2023 marking the highest number of active mobile lines ever recorded in the country. This reflects increasing digital connectivity, population growth, and the expansion of mobile services across Nigeria.

Source:

Nigerian Communications Commission

Period:

2007-2023
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