Did you know Nigeria’s digital heartbeat just skipped a beat? According to the latest data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), internet subscriptions in Nigeria have seen a subtle twist—dropping ever so slightly in the second quarter of 2025. Yet, there’s a big picture staring us in the face: overall, our internet community is still on the rise, painting a vivid portrait of a nation plugged into a digital future like never before.
Here’s the explosive truth: as of June 2025, Nigeria recorded 142.05 million internet subscribers. This figure represents a marginal 0.62% dip quarter-on-quarter from Q1 2025. However, when compared to Q2 2024, the story shifts—subscriptions actually jumped by 3.42% from the previous year’s 136.49 million. For a country where “my data finish” is a constant chorus, these numbers speak volumes.
Inside Nigeria’s Internet Revolution: Key Numbers and What They Mean
You might be wondering, what’s driving these changes? The NBS report, available on its official website as of February 14, unpacks the evolving internet landscape. Let’s shine a torch on the states leading the charge—and those fighting hard to stay in the game.
The State-by-State Internet Story
Nigeria’s digital community isn’t built overnight. Instead, it’s shaped by millions of everyday choices—from the market trader using WhatsApp to reach customers, to students burning the midnight oil on online courses. Here’s how the newest internet subscription rankings shake out:
5. Federal Capital Territory (FCT): Digital Bubbles in the Heart of Abuja
Abuja may be Nigeria’s seat of power, but it’s also home to a vibrant online community. The FCT boasted 6.26 million subscribers in Q2 2025, accounting for roughly 4.4% of the nation’s total. That’s an impressive leap—up 735,847 from a year earlier. However, if you blinked, you may not notice that it slipped down 1.03% when compared to Q1 2025. According to the NBS report, FCT’s digital citizens preferred MTN (3.44 million), followed by Airtel (1.97 million), and then Glo (0.68 million), alongside a smattering of VOIP and other niche providers.
4. Oyo State: Ibadan’s “Gbam” Factor in the Mix
Oyo shines with 6.29 million internet users, matching FCT’s 4.4% share. There’s steady growth—a 0.39% increase year-on-year—though Q2’s tally slid 1.15% from the first quarter. Let’s break it down: MTN comes out tops at 3.12 million users, Airtel follows at 2.15 million, while Glo closes in with 0.98 million. Add some VOIP and ISP users, and you’ll find Oyo isn’t playing in the shallow waters of the digital pool.
3. Ogun State: Industrial Hub, Digital Force
If you ever wondered where business and bandwidth collide, look no further than Ogun. The state, hugging Lagos’s border, racked up 8.46 million internet subscribers—a 6.0% slice of the national pie. This figure marks a significant 544,413 jump from last year, and a bullish 2.37% increase compared to the previous quarter. Ogun’s network preference? MTN (4.45 million), Airtel (3.10 million), and Glo (0.85 million), with VOIP slowly gathering steam.
Photo: Nurphoto
Source: Getty Images
2. Kano State: Northern Powerhouse, Data Hotspot
Kano, ever bustling, continues its rise as a key digital centre. Q2 2025 saw the ancient city welcome 8.90 million active internet subscribers—representing approximately 6.3% of all users in Nigeria. That’s up by over 382,099 from Q2 2024, showing how technology is truly at home in the North. Kano favours MTN (4.67 million) and Airtel (3.69 million), with Glo trailing at 0.46 million. The numbers reveal just how much Kano’s small businesses, students, and even market women rely on connectivity to keep life moving.
According to the NBS telecoms report, Kano’s internet boom is a testament to both urban expansion and government investment in connectivity.
1. Lagos State: Nigeria’s Undisputed Digital Capital
Ever heard the saying “If you can hustle in Lagos, you can hustle anywhere”? Digital life here is nothing short of electrifying. Lagos remains the heavyweight, holding 17.59 million users—which is a staggering 12.4% of Nigeria’s entire internet subscription base. Yet, even the Centre of Excellence isn’t immune to swings; year-on-year, Lagos saw a slight dip of 147,354 users. Between Q1 and Q2 2025, there’s another minor 0.22% decline. But make no mistake, when it comes to browsing, streaming, and hustling online, Lagosians set the pace: MTN leads with 8.22 million users, Airtel takes second spot, and Glo plus EMTS fill out the ranks. The digital fire burns, rain or shine.
What’s Behind These Numbers? Local Stories and National Impact
Why do these subtle rises and drops matter to the average Nigerian? The answer is hidden in our daily grind. With everything from job hunting to banking and education shifting online—not to mention Nollywood movies on Friday nights and online sales on Instagram—steady internet access is now as crucial as light and water.
But there’s more brewing beneath the surface. According to a Lagos-based telecom analyst, Mrs. Ugochi Amadi, “A minor quarterly dip is natural after such rapid growth. What counts is the steady year-on-year climb, which proves digital inclusion is working—even if some rural areas still face obstacles.” Many in rural and semi-urban areas still lament over “network wahala”—showing there’s work ahead in ensuring no community is left behind.
Competition Heats Up: New ISPs Join Nigeria’s Broadband Battle
The drama doesn’t end with the big telcos. In a fresh twist, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has reportedly granted six new operating licences to Internet Service Providers (ISPs), taking the total number of approved ISPs up to 231 as of January 2026 (an increase from 225 in late 2025). This move is expected to shake up the market and lower costs for consumers—that means more choices and hopefully, fewer “my data finish” complaints.
According to a representative from the NCC, “Fostering competition is a deliberate step towards expanding connectivity for all Nigerians, from the urban elite to the most remote village.” This approach echoes what’s happening in other African nations, where broadening internet access is key to economic growth.
Looking Beyond the Data: What Lies Ahead?
Will Nigeria’s internet growth story continue, or will more states see a dip as markets mature? Experts say the answer depends on infrastructure, affordability, and government efforts to broaden rural access. Emerging tech like 5G also has the potential to shake things up, provided rollout challenges are tackled.
From bustling Lagos traffic jams where everyone’s glued to their phones, to remote towns cut off by poor signal, the real test of Nigeria’s digital journey will be how quickly and wisely these challenges are resolved. As more ISPs join the race and telcos up their game, Nigeria could soon set the pace for West Africa’s digital future.
Final Take: Are You Part of Nigeria’s Next Digital Chapter?
The next time your phone pings with a WhatsApp message or you catch your favourite Afrobeats track online, remember: you’re a crucial part of Nigeria’s digital story. Where do you stand on Nigeria’s internet evolution—excited, frustrated, or just hopeful for better service?
What’s your experience with internet access in your area? Do you see your state topping next year’s list? Let us know your thoughts in the comments and follow us for more updates.
Got a news tip, opinion, or personal story about life in digital Nigeria? We want to hear from you! Email us at story@nowahalazone.com to share or sell your story and get it featured on our platform.
For general support or suggestions, contact support@nowahalazone.com.
Join our community and never miss out: follow us on Facebook, X (Twitter), and Instagram for exclusive updates, digital stories, and more!
