Despite recording steady growth in voice and internet subscriptions, the current figure, representing 106.97 million high-speed internet connections, suggests that the country will need to accelerate its broadband rollout dramatically within the final quarter to hit the target.

According to the NCC’s latest industry statistics, active voice subscriptions climbed to 173.54 million in September, up from 171.57 million in August. Internet subscriptions on GSM networks also grew to 140.36 million, while teledensity reached 80.05 percent, reflecting continued sectoral resilience.

However, experts say that closing the remaining 20 percent broadband gap within just two months would be “nearly impossible” given infrastructure, financing, and policy implementation challenges across several regions.

Government Pushes Infrastructure Expansion

Dr. Bosun Tijani, minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, has continued to highlight government efforts to bridge the connectivity gap.

Speaking recently in Ogun State, the Minister revealed plans to deploy 90,000 kilometres of fibre optic cables nationwide, supported by a $500 million World Bank facility. the largest of its kind in the bank’s portfolio.

“The President decided that as a nation, we will invest in 90,000 kilometres of fibre optic network across this country. Every corner of our nation will be covered with fibre optic cables,” Tijani said.

To complement the initiative, Tijani announced the training of 5,000 young Nigerians in fibre technology, splicing, and deployment, in partnership with Coleman Wires and Cables, which recently launched West Africa’s largest fibre optic cable plant.

“This will begin in about two to three months and will strengthen our broadband ecosystem while creating skilled jobs for Nigerians,” the minister added.

Telecom Market Still Growing Strong

According to NCC data, MTN Nigeria retained its lead with 90.33 million subscribers (52.12%), followed by Airtel with 58.47 million (33.74%), Globacom with 21.39 million (12.34%), and T2 with 3.11 million (1.8%), a slight improvement from the previous month.

The GSM segment continues to dominate Nigeria’s telecommunications space, accounting for over 99 per cent of total mobile subscriptions.

Broadband penetration reached its highest level yet at 49.34 per cent, up from 48.81 per cent in August, with 4G technology maintaining 51.6 per cent market share and 5G adoption rising to 3.4 per cent, signaling gradual progress since its commercial launch in 2022.

Data Usage and Economic Impact

While broadband subscriptions increased, data usage dipped slightly to 1.15 million terabytes in September, from 1.152 million terabytes in August.

The telecom sector continues to play a critical role in Nigeria’s economy, contributing 9.2 per cent to GDP in Q2 2025, up from 8.5 per cent in Q1, despite macroeconomic headwinds and currency volatility.

Analysts attribute the sustained sectoral performance to rising demand for digital services, mobile penetration, and continued investments in network infrastructure by operators.

However, they warn that unless massive fibre deployment, last-mile connectivity projects, and right-of-way harmonization accelerate before year-end, Nigeria’s 70 per cent broadband dream may remain just that, a dream deferred.

The launch coincided with the company’s 50th anniversary. The unveiling of the facility in Sagamu, Ogun State, with a production capacity of more than 9 million kilometres of fibre-optic cables shows the factory also incorporates the continent’s first fibre-reinforced plastic (FRP) manufacturing line.

Coleman Wires and Cables has also set target to become a ₦15 trillion (approximately US $10 billion) revenue business, in the nearest future.

Speaking at the event, George Onafowokan, , the company’s managing director & CEO, said over 50 % of the projected revenue will come from exports and repatriated foreign exchange, aligning with the company’s strategy to scale beyond Nigeria’s borders.

The commissioning drew leading officials including Dapo Abiodun, Governor of Ogun State; Bosun Tijani, minister of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy; and Jumoke Oduwole, minister of Industry, Trade & Investment, who described the factory as a strategic national infrastructure asset.

Oduwole noted that the facility supports Nigeria’s digital economy ambitions by reducing reliance on imports, conserving foreign exchange, and positioning the country as a regional manufacturing hub under the AfCFTA framework.

Governor Abiodun described Coleman’s milestone as “a story of faith, resilience, and innovation,” saying the factory will spur thousands of jobs and contribute to Ogun State’s industrial transformation.

With its upgraded capacity and export-driven strategy, Coleman is signaling a major shift: from local cable maker to continental powerhouse.

Why This Matters for Nigeria

Connectivity & Digital Economy: As Nigeria steps up deployment of broadband infrastructure, including a target of 90,000 kilometres of fibre under Project BRIDGE, Coleman’s local manufacturing bolsters domestic capacity and reduces reliance on imports.

Jobs and Skills: The facility is expected to create thousands of direct and indirect jobs, supporting local manufacturing, technical training and community value chains.

Foreign Exchange Savings & Export Potential: By localising production of fibre optics and related cables, Nigeria can conserve foreign exchange and export to other African markets under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Government & Industry Response

Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State described the factory as a “defining moment” for the state and the nation’s digital revolution, noting the facility’s spill-over effects into manufacturing, logistics and ICT.

Dr. Tijani highlighted that the achievement underscores Nigeria’s growing industrial credentials and emphasized the role of secure, home-grown infrastructure in a rapidly digitalising economy.

He spoke of the need to “protect” the emerging New Nigeria by investing in local capacity and resilience.

Looking Ahead

Coleman’s achievement is part of a broader narrative: as Nigeria seeks to deepen its digital economy and enhance infrastructure, inorganic steps like commissioning such a factory become key symbols of transformation.

However, challenges around policy stability, supply-chain constraints and competition from imports remain.

For businesses, startups and investors alike, the event signals that Nigeria’s manufacturing and tech ecosystem is evolving, with local production, digital infrastructure and industrial ambition converging at a critical moment.