MTN And Airtel Nigeria Report Record-Breaking N2.53 Trillion In Voice And Data Revenue For First Half Of 2025.
Nigerian telecommunications giants MTN and Airtel have achieved a remarkable milestone, with subscribers collectively spending N2.53 trillion on voice and data services in the first half of 2025. This figure, revealed through recent financial disclosures, represents a staggering 50.9% increase from the N1.68 trillion recorded during the same period in 2024, underscoring the growing reliance on mobile connectivity across the nation.
MTN Nigeria, the country’s largest telecom operator, led the charge, generating N2.12 trillion in revenue from voice and data services between January and June 2025. This marks a robust 55.7% year-on-year growth from N1.36 trillion in the first half of 2024. The company’s data revenue saw an extraordinary surge of 69.2%, reaching N1.23 trillion, driven by accelerated digital adoption, increased smartphone penetration, and strategic network investments. Voice revenue also grew significantly, climbing 40.3% to N887.13 billion, reflecting sustained demand for traditional communication services.
Airtel Nigeria, the second-largest operator, contributed N412.43 billion to the combined revenue, based on an exchange rate of N1,384/$1. The company reported $298 million in voice and data revenue, a 30.1% increase from N316.94 billion in the first half of 2024. Airtel’s data revenue rose by 40.2% to $164 million (N226.98 billion), supported by an 11.3% increase in its data subscriber base to 29.3 million and a 46.8% rise in data average revenue per user. Voice revenue grew by 19.1% to $134 million (N185.46 billion), highlighting the company’s strong performance despite previous challenges with currency devaluation.
The surge in revenue for both companies is attributed to several factors, including tariff adjustments approved by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) in January 2025, which allowed for a 50% increase in voice and data plan prices. This adjustment, coupled with enhanced network infrastructure and rising smartphone adoption, has fuelled consumer spending. MTN reported a 7% growth in active data users to 47.7 million, with data traffic rising 42.9% year-on-year and average data usage per subscriber reaching 11.2GB. Airtel, meanwhile, noted a 6.3% increase in its overall customer base to 53.6 million, with monthly data usage per subscriber climbing to 9.3GB.
Both telecom giants credited improved macroeconomic conditions, including a decline in inflation to 22.2% by June 2025 and a more stable naira exchange rate at around N1,530 to the US dollar, for creating a conducive environment for growth. MTN Nigeria’s CEO, Karl Toriola, highlighted the company’s disciplined execution and targeted customer engagement, noting the launch of the first phase of its $240 million Dabengwa Tier III Data Centre in July 2025. This state-of-the-art facility is set to become West Africa’s largest, supporting cloud computing, enterprise hosting, and digital transformation across the region.
Airtel Nigeria also showcased its forward-thinking approach, announcing a strategic partnership with SpaceX’s Starlink to deliver high-speed satellite broadband to underserved and remote areas. This initiative aims to enhance connectivity for rural schools, healthcare centres, and communities, further bridging Nigeria’s digital divide.
The financial turnaround for both companies is notable. MTN Nigeria reported a profit of N414.9 billion in the first half of 2025, a stark contrast to the N519.1 billion loss posted in the same period of 2024. The company’s EBITDA more than doubled to N1.2 trillion, with a healthy margin of 50.6%. Airtel Nigeria, despite past currency challenges, achieved a 49.9% increase in EBITDA to $185 million and an improved margin of 55.7%, reflecting strong operational performance and cost efficiency.
As Nigeria’s digital economy continues to expand, MTN and Airtel’s focus on data-driven services positions them as key players in shaping the country’s technological future. With ongoing investments in infrastructure and innovative partnerships, both companies are well-poised to sustain their growth trajectory, delivering enhanced connectivity and services to millions of Nigerians.
