By Martin Ekpeke

Nigeria’s vibrant internet landscape saw a slight contraction in May 2025, as active subscriptions across all major networks experienced a minor dip, a situation industry analysts suggest could be a normal market fluctuation or a result of economic factors impacting consumer spending on data services.

According to recently released data from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the total number of internet subscriptions, including mobile, fixed, and VOIP fell to 141.1 million, a 0.3% decrease from the 141.5 million recorded in April.

The data highlights a momentary pause in the country’s otherwise consistent growth in internet connectivity. While the decline is marginal, it marks a rare downturn in a market that has seen aggressive expansion over the past decade.

Market dominance remains firmly in the hands of the four major mobile operators. MTN, Airtel, Globacom, and 9mobile continue to be the primary drivers of internet access, collectively accounting for a staggering 140.6 million of the total connections. This concentration of market share leaves a minimal footprint for smaller, independent players to compete.

Despite the minor setback, the overall picture shows a highly connected nation, with millions relying on these services for daily communication, commerce, and entertainment.