Internet subscriptions reach 164 million while voice users drop 3% – NBS

The National Bureau of Statistics reported that the number of internet subscribers in Nigeria’s telecommunications sector increased to 164 million in the first quarter of 2024, while the number of voice subscribers decreased by 3%.

According to a report by NBS Telecom Data released on Monday, “the total number of active voice subscribers in the first quarter of 2024 was 219,304,281, compared to 226,161,713 in the first quarter of 2023, representing a growth rate of -3.03 percent.” The number of active voice subscribers decreased by 2.41 percent quarter-on-quarter.

“In addition, the total number of active Internet subscribers in the first quarter of 2024 was 164,368,292 compared to 157,551,104 in the first quarter of 2023, an increase of 4.33 percent from the previous quarter, an increase of 0.32 percent,” the statement said.

According to the office, Lagos State dominated all categories with 25.96 million active telephone subscribers and 18.84 million active internet users.

Ogun and Kano followed closely behind with 9.53 million and 9.07 million internet subscribers respectively, while Bayelsa had the lowest numbers for both telephone and internet subscribers.

According to the survey, MTN maintained its market dominance in the first quarter of 2024 by securing the highest percentage of subscriptions.

The telecom giant reported 81.8 million telephone customers and 69.4 million Internet users. Globacom came in second with 62.2 million telephone customers and 44.4 million Internet users.

Airtel came in third place with 46.8 million internet users and 63.4 million phone subscribers. 9mobile lagged behind with 11.7 million phone subscribers and 3.3 million internet users.