Nigeria’s broadband penetration surpassed 50 per cent for the first time in November 2025, marking a milestone in the expansion of high-speed internet access nationwide.

This was disclosed in the latest telecommunications data released by the Nigerian Communications Commission.

However, the achievement falls short of the 70 per cent target outlined in the National Broadband Plan (2020–2025), which expires this December.

According to the latest data, Nigeria recorded 109.6 million broadband subscriptions as of November 2025.

This figure pushed the country’s broadband penetration to 50.58 per cent,reflecting a modest increase of 0.69 per cent from the 49.89 per cent recorded the previous month.

The data further reveals that growth throughout 2025 has been incremental, with broadband penetration increasing by only 6.15 per cent since the end of 2024, when it stood at 44.43 per cent.

Overall internet subscriptions in Nigeria—across 3G, 4G, and 5G networks—grew to 144.7 million in November, an increase from 142.6 million in October.

The market continues to be dominated by MTN, which holds 78.8 million subscriptions, followed by Airtel with 50.3 million. Globacom and T2 (formerly 9mobile) accounted for 14.2 million and 771,035 subscriptions, respectively.

An additional 635,626 connections were provided by ISPs and fixed-line operators.

Industry leaders have cited unresolved systemic issues as the primary reason for missing the 70%broadband goal.

The Chairman of ALTON,
Engr. Gbenga Adebayo, stated that the Broadband Plan’s progress was hindered because its own identified challenges were never tackled.

He identified multiple taxation and exorbitant right-of-way costs as primary barriers preventing telecom operators from expanding their infrastructure.

Adebayo further explained that some states, even after publicly waiving official right-of-way fees, continue to impose hidden charges—including education taxes and highway levies—that deter essential investment.