MTN Strengthens Fibre Dominance as 21st Century Suffers Historic Subscriber Decline

The Nigerian telecommunications landscape continues to reflect significant shifts in market share and technology adoption, with MTN consolidating its position as the leading provider of fibre and broadband services, even as competitors like 21st Century experience notable declines. According to the latest data collected and analyzed by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC),  MTN commands over 50% of GSM subscribers and continues to expand its fibre network, driving broadband penetration to 53.07% as of January 2026.

Conversely, 21st Century’s subscriber base and market share have suffered a record decline, signaling competitive pressures and highlighting the critical role of network investment in sustaining growth. The NCC’s regulatory mandate under Section 89(3)(d) of the Nigerian Communications Act 2003 (NCA 2003) ensures continuous monitoring of such trends, providing statistical analysis on operator performance, service tariffs, and technology adoption to identify areas requiring regulatory intervention.

Monthly surveys show MTN leading in both mobile and fixed-wireless broadband subscribers, while 21st Century’s active subscriber numbers have fallen sharply over the past reporting periods. This divergence underscores the growing importance of infrastructure investment, particularly in fibre and 4G/5G networks, as key drivers of digital inclusion and competitive advantage in Nigeria’s telecom sector.

The NCC emphasizes that all licensed operators are obligated to provide regular operational data for analytical review. This transparency allows the Commission to assess trends such as market dominance, competition levels, and service quality, ensuring regulatory oversight aligns with consumer protection and industry growth objectives.