Nigeria’s telecommunications and information services sector contributed ₦5.20 trillion to the country’s real Gross Domestic Product in the second quarter of 2026, underlining the growing importance of digital connectivity to the national economy. The latest figures from the National Bureau of Statistics showed that the sector accounted for 9.72 per cent of real GDP, up from 9.20 per cent in the corresponding quarter of 2025.
The sector also recorded 10.38 per cent year on year growth during the quarter, significantly higher than Nigeria’s overall economic growth of 4.43 per cent. The performance represents an acceleration from the 7.39 per cent growth recorded in the same period last year, making telecommunications and information services one of the major drivers of economic expansion as businesses and consumers increasingly depend on digital services.
The strong performance was driven largely by rising demand for mobile internet and data services, alongside improved performances by major operators including MTN Nigeria and Airtel Nigeria. MTN reported stronger data usage and an expanding base of active data subscribers, while Airtel also recorded significant growth in data revenue and customers. The continued expansion reflects increasing reliance on telecommunications for mobile banking, electronic commerce, remote work and other digital activities.
The latest figures further highlight telecommunications as a critical pillar of Nigeria’s digital economy, particularly as operators continue to invest in network infrastructure to meet rising demand. Nigeria’s overall economy expanded by 4.43 per cent in Q2 2026, with telecommunications contributing about 0.95 percentage point to the growth. Industry analysts say sustained investment in broadband infrastructure, network capacity and reliable connectivity will be essential if the country is to maintain the sector’s momentum and deepen the economic benefits of digital transformation.