Nigeria Mobile Subscriptions
Mobile cellular subscriptions per 100 people IT.CEL.SETS.P2
Nigeria's mobile subscriptions was 104.13 in 2025, ranked 136th globally. This represents a 5.7% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
Nigeria's mobile subscriptions stood at 104.13 in 2025, a rise of +5.65 from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 104.13 by 2025. Nigeria ranked 136th globally.
Nigeria’s mobile‑subscription density reached 104.13 per 100 inhabitants in 2025, placing the country 136th in the world and marking an all‑time peak that eclipses its 1992 trough of zero subscriptions when mobile services were virtually nonexistent. Over the 53‑year coverage span, the trajectory has been upward‑sloping, reflecting rapid diffusion of cellular technology after liberalisation in the early 2000s and the expansion of network infrastructure into previously underserved regions. The 2025 figure is comparable to Belgium’s 104.42 subscriptions and Brazil’s 104.58, underscoring Nigeria’s convergence with more advanced telecom markets despite lingering gaps in rural penetration and affordability. Continued growth will likely depend on sustained investment in 5G rollout, regulatory reforms that lower entry barriers for service providers, and improvements in electricity reliability, which together could push the subscription density beyond the current peak in the coming years.
Data & projection
| Year | Mobile Subscriptions | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | 106.62 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 104.13 | - | - |
| 2025 | 104.13 | +5.65 | #136 |
| 2023 | 98.48 | −1.11 | #122 |
| 2022 | 99.59 | +10.29 | #142 |
| 2021 | 89.29 | −6.14 | #155 |
| 2020 | 95.44 | +7.32 | #141 |
| 2019 | 88.12 | +3.83 | #154 |
| 2018 | 84.28 | +11.92 | #150 |
| 2017 | 72.37 | −6.60 | #167 |
| 2016 | 78.97 | −0.13 | #158 |
| 2015 | 79.10 | +4.35 | #158 |
| 2014 | 74.75 | +4.47 | #155 |
| 2013 | 70.28 | +6.28 | #156 |
| 2012 | 64.01 | +8.48 | #161 |
| 2011 | 55.53 | +3.14 | #162 |
| 2010 | 52.39 | +6.40 | #158 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Nigeria matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2024. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw mobile subscriptions improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Nigeria's mobile subscriptions was 104.13 in 2025. Ranked 136th globally. This represents a 5.7% increase from the previous year.
Nigeria's mobile subscriptions peaked at 104.13 in 2025.
The lowest mobile subscriptions in Nigeria was 0.00 in 1960.
Nigeria ranks 136th globally in mobile subscriptions as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is IT.CEL.SETS.P2. Data sourced from World Bank.
Nigeria's mobile subscriptions is projected to reach 104.13 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The mobile subscriptions of Nigeria in 2025 was 104.13. This ranks 136th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_nigeria_mobile-subscriptions,
title = {Nigeria Mobile Subscriptions},
url = {https://historysaid.com/nigeria/mobile-subscriptions/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}