In the past year, Nigeria’s fixed broadband sector has experienced remarkable growth, primarily driven by MTN Nigeria, the industry’s dominant player. Recent data from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) shows a substantial increase in fixed internet subscriptions, rising from 14,053 in January 2025 to 124,590 by February 2026, an impressive 787% increase.
The statistics reveal a market heavily skewed towards MTN, which has captured a significant share of new connections. The company’s FibreX fibre-to-the-home service has around 110,564 subscribers, accounting for approximately 88.7% of the fixed broadband market.
Experts attribute MTN’s leading position to its aggressive expansion strategies and substantial investments in network infrastructure, which ensure it stays well ahead of its rivals in a segment that has traditionally faced hurdles to scaling.
Digging deeper into the numbers, MTN attracted more than 95,000 new customers from April 2025 to February 2026, representing a remarkable 639% growth. In stark contrast, other internet service providers have struggled to maintain momentum. For instance, SWIFT Networks, a newer market entrant, grew its user base to over 25,000 by late 2025, only to see a drastic decline to approximately 13,945 subscribers by February 2026.
Additionally, established provider 21st Century Technologies faced a concerning drop, falling from over 2,200 users in April 2025 to fewer than 100 within the same timeframe. This trend underscores the widening disparity in the market landscape.
Telecom analysts suggest that MTN’s sustained success is linked to its vast infrastructure, significant capital investments, and early moves into fibre deployment, which enable it to meet increasing demand for high-speed, reliable internet access.
The current landscape shows that operators with robust fibre infrastructure and strong financial positions are well-positioned to meet consumer needs. At the same time, smaller competitors grapple with high rollout costs and limited reach.
Though the swift growth signals a positive shift for Nigeria’s digital economy, the heavy concentration of market share in a single provider may hinder competition and impede broader industry progress if left unchecked.
Industry experts have emphasised the need for policy interventions to foster a more equitable environment and encourage diverse participation in Nigeria’s ongoing broadband expansion efforts.
