Globacom adds 1.2M internet subscribers in May, leading Nigeria's growth to 157M users

Globacom gained approximately 1.2 million internet subscribers in May 2026, driving Nigeria's total to 157 million users according to NCC data. This represents nearly half of the month's 2.67 million nationwide surge, placing Globacom ahead of Airtel (1.07M new subscribers) and market leader MTN (382,894 new users). T2 Mobile (formerly 9mobile) recorded zero growth for the second consecutive month at 802,534 subscribers.

Globacom's growth stems from aggressive 'Welcome-Back' promotions targeting inactive lines and device deals tying smartphone purchases to data benefits. While MTN and Airtel compete for premium subscribers, Globacom's affordability-focused strategy is working as Nigeria approaches 160 million total internet users. The operator now faces the challenge of converting these promotional subscribers into loyal, high-usage customers before the next price war intensifies.

With Nigeria's telecom market shifting from SIM card acquisition to user retention and spending, Globacom's success highlights affordability as a key differentiator. However, sustaining growth requires moving beyond promotions to deliver consistent value that keeps users engaged and spending—a critical test as MTN and Airtel likely respond with competitive offers of their own.

Can Globacom turn its promo-driven subscriber surge into lasting loyalty, or will affordability alone prove insufficient against MTN and Airtel's network quality and brand strength in the retention battle?

SOURCE: https://techcabal.com/2026/08/05/techcabal-daily-palmpay-eyes-hong-kong/