By Ghazali Ibrahim
Nigerian subscribers of MTN and Airtel collectively spent a staggering N2.53 trillion on voice and data services in the first half of 2025, according to recent financial disclosures from the telecom giants.
This significant expenditure underscores the growing reliance on mobile communication and internet services across the country.
MTN Nigeria reported a 54.6% increase in service revenue, reaching N2.4 trillion for the period ending June 30, 2025.
The company also saw a 6.7% rise in its subscriber base, totaling 84.7 million users, with active data users growing by 11.8% to 51 million. Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) surged by 119.5% to N1.2 trillion, reflecting robust operational performance.
Airtel Nigeria, while experiencing a 30% drop in overall revenue to 1.045 billion for the fiscal year ending March 2025, reported a data revenue of483 million.
Despite the decline, the company remains a key player in Nigeria’s telecommunications sector.
The substantial spending by Nigerian consumers on voice and data services highlights the critical role of telecommunications in daily life and the economy.
As digital connectivity becomes increasingly essential, these figures reflect the nation’s ongoing digital transformation and the telecom industry’s pivotal position in facilitating this growth.
