As of 2025, MTN and Airtel jointly control over 85% of the market share, whereas Globacom controls 12%, and 9mobile has control over less than 2% of the market

Key takeaways:

  • MTN maintained the highest market share, growing from 41% in December 2015 to 52% by April 2025.
  • Airtel grew significantly, expanding from 22% in December 2015 to 34% by Apr 2025.
  • 9mobile experienced a steep decline, falling from 15% to 2% over the same period.
  • Globacom maintained stability until 2023, then saw a dramatic fall from 27% to 12% by December 2024.
  • The total market grew from 148.7 million in 2015 to 172.7 million subscribers in 2025 (16% growth).
  • 9mobile's market share declined from 22.2 million subscribers (15%) to just 3.0 million (2%) in 2025.
  • Globacom lost 41.5 million subscribers between 2023 and 2024.
  • Airtel's market share expanded from 22% to 34%.

Over the last decade, Nigeria’s telecommunications sector has undergone significant market changes, with MTN solidifying its position as the undisputed leader. As of April 2025, MTN commands 52% of all active telephony subscribers, a significant rise from 41% in 2015. Its subscriber base grew from 61.3 million to over 90.5 million, indicating good customer retention and network expansion.

Airtel’s market share increased from 22% to 34%, bringing its subscriber base to approximately 58.6 million by April 2025. This upward trend highlights Airtel's growth in the sector, especially in recent years.

Globacom, whose market share had been constant at 26-28% for many years, has seen its grip on the market weaken sharply. By April 2025, its share had dropped to 12%, with subscriber numbers at roughly 20.6 million. On the more drastic side, from a 15% share in 2015, 9mobile's market share dropped to just 2% in 2025, with active users falling from more than 22 million to around 3 million.

Source:

Nigerian Communications Commission

Period:

2015-2025
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