Nigeria’s active telecom subscriptions have crossed 200 million for the first time since the 2024 NIN-SIM enforcement exercise, which removed approximately 70 million phone lines from the country’s subscriber base.
Data from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) show that active telecom subscriptions rose to 200.3 million in September 2026, representing an increase of 2.9 million from the 197.4 million recorded in August.
The latest figures indicate a recovery in Nigeria’s telecommunications market following the mass disconnections triggered by the Federal Government’s efforts to link mobile phone numbers to the National Identification Number (NIN). Brandspur Brand News reports that the milestone also reflects continued growth in mobile connectivity across the country.
The subscriber base had declined from 224.7 million in December 2023 to 154.9 million in September 2024, following the implementation of the SIM-NIN registration requirements.
The Federal Government introduced the SIM-NIN synchronisation initiative in December 2020 to strengthen subscriber identification and support security agencies in tracking criminal activities.
Under the policy, telecom operators were required to verify subscribers’ NIN details against their SIM registration records. The NCC subsequently directed MTN, Airtel, Globacom and 9mobile, now T2mobile, to bar SIM cards that had not been linked to their owners’ NINs.
The enforcement exercise led to widespread disconnections and public complaints, prompting the commission to order the temporary reactivation of affected lines in July 2024.
The latest growth suggests that the industry has continued to rebuild its subscriber base since the disruptions, with more Nigerians obtaining and activating mobile connections.
Telecoms teledensity, which measures the number of telephone connections relative to the population, also increased from 91.07 per cent to 92.41 per cent.
MTN Nigeria retained its position as the country’s largest mobile operator, adding 2.1 million subscribers in September to reach 104.65 million active lines.
Airtel remained in second place with 68.04 million subscribers after gaining approximately 600,000 users during the month.
Globacom recorded 23.8 million active phone lines, following an addition of about 300,000 subscribers.
T2mobile, formerly 9mobile, remained at 3.6 million subscribers, unchanged from its July 2026 figure, extending its period of subscriber stagnation to three months.
The industry’s expansion could continue through the final quarter of the year. Based on its average monthly growth rate of approximately 1.27 per cent between April and September, Nigeria’s active telecom subscriptions could reach between 207.5 million and 208.2 million by December 2026.
The projected increase is expected to be supported by seasonal SIM activations, phone purchases and continued recovery in the telecommunications sector.
