Globacom leads Nigeria’s Internet subscriber growth in May

Globacom, the first Nigerian-owned mobile network operator, led Nigeria’s major telecom operators in Internet subscriber growth in May, adding about 1.2 million subscribers as the country’s total Internet subscriber base rose by 2.67 million.

The latest figures from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) show that Nigeria had about 157 million Internet subscribers in May, up from 154.3 million in April. Globacom accounted for almost half of the monthly increase, lifting its subscriber base from about 15.5 million to 16.8 million.

Airtel Nigeria recorded the second-largest gain, adding about 1.07 million subscribers to reach 55.8 million in May, up from 54.8 million in April. MTN Nigeria added 382,894 subscribers, taking its total to about 83.5 million from 83.1 million.

T2 Mobile, formerly 9mobile, recorded no growth for the second consecutive month, with its Internet subscriber base holding at 802,534. 

The stagnation comes nearly a year after the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) approved its national roaming agreement with MTN Nigeria, allowing T2 subscribers to access MTN’s network in areas where its own coverage was limited.

The latest figures suggest that the roaming arrangement has yet to translate into visible subscriber growth for T2, even as its larger rivals continue to add users. 

Globacom’s surge is particularly notable as it narrowed the gap with larger rivals, while Airtel also recorded strong growth, suggesting that competition for Nigeria’s growing base of Internet users is intensifying.

Osita Odafi, a telecom industry expert, told TechCabal in an interview that Globacom’s gain may have been driven partly by its promotional campaigns and network improvements.

“Some inactive subscribers may have resumed data usage because of promotions and/or improved network quality, making them count as active internet subscribers,” Odafi said.

Globacom’s ongoing promotions offer existing and new subscribers, including customers switching to the network, opportunities to win prizes. 

The operator also runs a Welcome-Back offer targeting subscribers whose lines have been inactive for at least 90 days. 

Device promotions are another part of the strategy, with Glo tying some smartphone purchases to data benefits and eSIM offers.

The May figures also highlight the different competitive positions of Nigeria’s operators. MTN remained the country’s largest Internet subscriber provider, with about 83.5 million subscribers, followed by Airtel with 55.8 million. Globacom ranked third with 16.8 million.

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