Although last year’s 70 per cent broadband penetration target was missed, Nigeria still expanded its reach by 6.4 per cent.
 
Data from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) showed that broadband subscriptions, which stood at 45.61 per cent at the beginning of 2025, grew to 51.97 per cent. This increased the number of users from 98.9 million in January to 112.6 million by December 2025.
  
In February 2025, the figure was 46.58 per cent. It grew steadily to reach 51.97 per cent in December.  
 
Despite subscription increases, penetration growth slowed at mid-year, hovering around 48 per cent from June to August 2025, suggesting that population growth and uneven distribution across regions may be moderating the pace at which Nigerians gain access to high-speed Internet.
 
This growth underscores the role of both infrastructure expansion and policy initiatives in improving Internet accessibility.
  
Mobile broadband remained the dominant contributor to these numbers, as telecom operators continue to expand 4G and 5G coverage nationwide.
 
However, the data also signalled opportunities for further growth, particularly in rural and underserved regions where penetration lags behind the national average.
 
With Nigeria’s broadband market now firmly above the 50 per cent penetration mark, stakeholders, including policymakers, investors, and tech companies, have a clearer view of the country’s digital readiness. 
 
As more Nigerians come online, opportunities for digital commerce, fintech adoption, and online services are set to expand, making broadband not just a utility but a key enabler of economic growth.