Total telecommunications subscriptions in Nigeria rose to 179.6 million by the end of January 2026, while teledensity (the number of active connections per 100 inhabitants) increased to 82.9 per cent, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) said in its latest data release.

The figures, contained in the NCC’s January 2026 Subscriber/Network Data report, show growth in telecom penetration as the sector continues to account for a substantial share of Nigeria’s digital connectivity.

Subscriptions increased from about 176 million reported in December 2025, according to the regulator’s monthly data series.

The NCC report showed that mobile voice subscriptions accounted for the majority of the total, while data subscriptions also maintained strong presence, driven by expanding internet use on mobile devices across urban and rural communities.

The regulator said new SIM activations and network expansions contributed to the overall subscription rise.

Data from the regulator indicate that the increase in teledensity reflects improvements in network coverage and service availability for a growing number of Nigerians accessing voice and data services on telecommunications platforms.

The rise in active lines underscores the continuing role of telecom operators in supporting digital communications and economic activity.

The NCC’s monthly subscriber and network data report provides a regular overview of key performance indicators in Nigeria’s telecom sector and includes statistics on voice, data and text messaging services, offering insight into trends in connectivity and user engagement.

The telecom sector’s performance in January 2026 reflects ongoing expansion in subscriber bases, supported by infrastructure investments and competitive market dynamics among mobile network operators.

The data continue to chart growth in Nigeria’s communications landscape, with implications for service provision, digital inclusion and economic participation in the evolving digital economy.