Airtel Nigeria has reported a significant increase in revenue, rising by 45 per cent to N1.37 trillion in the six months ended September 2026. This growth is largely attributed to the surging demand for mobile data services. The company's data revenue generated N732.6 billion during the period, marking a substantial increase from the previous year.
The performance represents an increase from N941.2 billion recorded in the corresponding period of 2025. This underscores the growing contribution of internet consumption to the telecommunications company’s earnings amid rising demand for broadband connectivity. The half-year financial results of its parent company, Airtel Africa Plc, revealed that data revenue increased by 52.7 per cent from N480.7 billion recorded a year earlier.
The strong growth in data earnings reflects the increasing reliance of individuals and businesses on mobile internet services for communication, digital transactions, entertainment, remote work and other online activities. This trend highlights the critical role of data services in driving the company's revenue growth. Voice services also recorded significant growth, with revenue increasing by 37.8 per cent to N498.24 billion.
Airtel Nigeria’s average revenue per user (ARPU) stood at approximately N3,771 during the period, indicating improved revenue generation from its expanding subscriber base. The company’s customer base grew by 15.1 per cent to 61.7 million from 53.6 million in the corresponding period of 2025. This growth in subscribers further supports the increase in revenue.
The growth in internet subscribers increased to 32.9 million from 29.5 million. This development highlights the expanding market for mobile broadband services in Nigeria and the increasing importance of data consumption to the company’s overall financial performance. The company has seen a significant rise in demand for its services.
The strong revenue performance also translated into improved operating profitability, as Airtel Nigeria’s underlying earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) rose by 49.2 per cent to $586 million. Its EBITDA margin also improved to 58.2 per cent from 56.3 per cent in the corresponding period. This indicates improved operational efficiency and the company’s ability to sustain profitability amid rising operating costs.
To support the increasing demand for data services and improve network capacity, Airtel Nigeria significantly increased its capital expenditure by approximately 140 per cent to $177 million from $74 million recorded in the same period of 2025. However, the expansion drive comes amid persistent concerns over telecommunications service quality, network congestion and the rising cost of maintaining infrastructure in the country.
Key points
- Airtel Nigeria’s revenue rose by 45 per cent to N1.37 trillion in the six months ended September 2026.
- Data revenue increased by 52.7 per cent to N732.6 billion, accounting for more than half of Airtel Nigeria’s total revenue.
- Airtel Nigeria’s EBITDA rose by 49.2 per cent to $586 million, with an improved EBITDA margin of 58.2 per cent.
