Emmanuel OchayiAccording to a report from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Nigeria saw a decrease of 0.07 per cent in active mobile subscriptions, marking a decline from 220.86 million in July to 220.71 million in August 2023.
This decrease, equivalent to 145,026 fewer subscribers, comes after consecutive declines in previous months.
In August, the country’s largest mobile operator, MTN, experienced a setback, losing 335,744 subscribers, which brought their total active subscriptions down to 85 million. Meanwhile, Globacom secured its position as the second-largest operator, gaining 38,015 new subscribers to reach 61.39 million overall subscriptions. Airtel, the third-largest operator, added 85,139 new subscribers, and 9mobile recorded an increase of 36,543 subscribers.
The decline in active connections also affected the country’s teledensity, dropping from 115.70% in July to 115.63% in August. This shift was mirrored in the broadband penetration rate, which decreased to 45.57% in August from 47.01% in July.
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Despite these minor setbacks, industry experts remain optimistic about the telecom sector’s future. Factors like the adoption of advanced technologies, an emerging internet market, rural population needs, and favorable demographics all suggest that Nigeria’s telecom market retains untapped potential and will continue to hold its position as Africa’s largest mobile market.
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