The telecommunications industry, a vital segment of Nigeria’s broader Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector, has evolved from relative obscurity to a fundamental pillar of the national economy. In the fourth quarter of 2024, the telecom industry contributed 14.40% to real GDP, ranking among the top three contributors. Traditionally dominated by voice services, the industry is decisively transitioning to data-driven operations, driven by increasing internet adoption and the growth of Nigeria’s digital economy. The burgeoning monetisation of content creation has notably accelerated this shift over the past year.
Despite significant advancements, the telecom sector in Nigeria remains notably undersaturated, presenting considerable long-term growth potential. This growth is supported by the country’s youthful, increasingly connected population. The year 2025 is expected to witness an intensification of digital transformation, yielding wider economic benefits across multiple sectors. While telecom operators will maintain investments in 5G infrastructure and expand network coverage, the rate of 5G adoption is predicted to remain gradual, constrained primarily by affordability challenges amid the diminished purchasing power of the average Nigerian consumer.
To reconcile the interests of consumers and operators, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) implemented a 50% tariff increase in January 2025 – the first significant adjustment since 2013. Agusto & Co anticipates that this tariff revision will allow Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) to enhance capital expenditure, thereby improving network infrastructure and broadening 4G and 5G access nationwide. Given the essential nature of telecom services, active user numbers are expected to remain stable moving forward.
This report provides current information on the attributes and performance of the Telecommunications Industry in Nigeria (“the Industry”). The report includes;
We believe the information, analyses and opinions contained in this industry report will prove indispensable to;
