Subscribers on MTN and Airtel networks spent approximately N2.53 trillion on voice and data services during the first half of 2025 — a significant 50.9% increase compared to the N1.68 trillion recorded during the same period in 2024.

This is based on a review of the half-year financial statements released by the two telecommunications giants.

The surge reflects growing consumer spending on telecom services, spurred by revised tariffs, wider smartphone usage, and continued investment in network infrastructure by both operators, who hold the largest market shares in Nigeria.

Between January and June 2025, MTN Nigeria reported N2.12 trillion in combined revenue from voice and data — a 55.7% jump from the N1.36 trillion recorded in the first half of 2024. Data income alone grew by 69.2% to N1.23 trillion, up from N727.33 billion. Voice revenue also climbed 40.3% year-on-year to N887.13 billion from N632.38 billion.

MTN attributed this impressive performance to strong demand, price increases implemented primarily in Q2, and continued growth in active data users.

The company’s active data subscriber base rose by 11.8% to reach 51 million, while its total mobile users grew by 6.7%, totaling 84.7 million. Average data consumption per user jumped by 26.3% to 13.2GB, driven by 62.6% smartphone penetration and a 41.2% increase in data traffic.

The operator also implemented price adjustments across its data and voice offerings during this period, which contributed to higher service revenue.

This revenue growth helped MTN rebound from a N519.1 billion loss in the first half of 2024 to a profit after tax of N414.9 billion in H1 2025. Its earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) more than doubled, rising 119.5% to N1.2 trillion, while the EBITDA margin improved to 50.6%.

Based on these results, MTN has updated its full-year outlook, projecting at least 50% growth in both service revenue and EBITDA margin.

Airtel Nigeria also recorded notable growth, with total voice and data revenue reaching $298 million during the same six-month period. At the exchange rate of N1,384/$ used by the company, this translates to N412.43 billion — a 30.1% increase from the N316.94 billion earned in the first half of 2024.

Airtel’s data revenue climbed by 40.2% year-on-year, rising from $117 million (N161.93 billion) to $164 million (N226.98 billion). Voice income grew 19.1%, moving from $112 million (N155.01 billion) to $134 million (N185.46 billion).

The company’s data user base expanded by 11.3% to 29.3 million, with average revenue per user for data increasing by 46.8%. Monthly data usage per subscriber reached 9.3GB, up from 7.3GB the year before. Smartphone adoption in Airtel’s network also grew to 51.4%.

By June 2025, Airtel’s total customer base in Nigeria had increased by 6.3%, reaching 53.6 million.

The company’s EBITDA grew by 49.9% year-on-year to $185 million, with the EBITDA margin rising to 55.7%. This performance was driven by strong revenue growth and ongoing cost-efficiency strategies.

Despite the impact of prior-year currency devaluations, Airtel’s financial standing improved in 2025, with higher profitability and stronger operating cash flow.

Both telecom operators noted improved macroeconomic stability in the first half of 2025. The Central Bank of Nigeria held the monetary policy rate at 27.5%, contributing to a moderation of inflation to 22.2% by June. Additionally, the naira remained relatively stable at around N1,530 to the dollar, offering a better environment for investment planning.

MTN Nigeria’s Chief Executive Officer, Karl Toriola, commented on the company’s performance, saying:
“We maintained strong commercial momentum in H1 2025 through disciplined execution, targeted customer engagement, and ongoing investment in our network infrastructure.
Our mobile user base grew to 84.7 million with 3.8 million new subscribers, despite regulatory challenges such as the updated SIM registration requirements introduced earlier in the year. We also added 3.3 million active data users, bringing the total to approximately 51 million and driving a 41.2% year-on-year rise in data traffic.”

He added that MTN completed the phased rollout of new pricing across voice and data bundles, particularly benefiting Q2 revenues. Demand for the company’s services remained resilient throughout the period.

MTN also launched the first phase of its US$240 million Dabengwa Tier III Data Centre in July 2025 and began onboarding virtual mobile network operators. This aligns with national regulatory efforts to enhance market competition and broadband access.

Toriola explained:
“As part of our long-term strategy to scale capacity and address increasing demand, we commissioned the first phase of our Dabengwa Tier III Data Centre, which will eventually become the largest facility of its kind in West Africa. This data centre offers best-in-class reliability, scalability, and security, and will support digital transformation for businesses across the region.”

In parallel, Airtel announced a strategic partnership with SpaceX to bring Starlink’s satellite broadband services to underserved areas in Africa, including Nigeria.

The company stated:
“On May 5, 2025, we finalized an agreement with SpaceX to provide Starlink’s high-speed internet services to our African customer base. This partnership will enhance our satellite connectivity solutions and expand broadband access to rural areas — including schools, healthcare centres, and small businesses.”

As of now, SpaceX has secured operating licences in nine of the 14 countries within Airtel’s footprint, with applications for the remaining five still in progress.

The combined N2.53 trillion spent on telecom services in six months underscores the vital role of connectivity in Nigeria’s economy. With growing demand for digital content, expanding smartphone usage, and aggressive network expansion by providers, the telecom sector is positioned to remain one of the country’s most dynamic and rapidly growing industries.