Nigeria’s telecommunications industry cut 383 jobs between 2023 and 2024 as operators struggled under surging operating expenses, shrinking subscriber numbers and persistent regulatory pressures, according to newly released Year-End Performance Reports from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

The total workforce across licensed operators fell from 17,882 in 2023 to 17,499 in 2024, reflecting widespread downsizing across major market segments.

The workforce reduction came in a year when operators’ operating expenses spiked from N3.16 trillion in 2023 to N5.85 trillion in 2024—an 85.35 per cent increase.

The NCC attributed the surge to skyrocketing energy costs, inflation, foreign exchange instability and persistent multiple taxation by state and local authorities.

“Most licensees complained of high Right of Way (RoW) fees, harsh microeconomic operating environments and rising inflation,” the NCC noted in its report.

A breakdown of employment figures shows that GSM operators were the hardest hit, reducing staff strength from 7,212 to 6,658. Internet Service Providers (ISPs) also downsized, cutting their workforce from 5,589 to 5,473, while Value-Added Service (VAS) operators shed 100 jobs—from 813 to 713. Fixed-line operators, however, saw a slight workforce increase, rising from 268 to 272.

Two market segments recorded notable job gains. Collocation and infrastructure-sharing providers expanded from 1,574 workers to 1,751, while the “Others” category rose from 2,426 to 2,632. These gains, however, were not enough to offset the broader sector decline.

The job cuts coincided with a dramatic fall in active voice subscriptions following the enforcement of the National Identification Number (NIN)-SIM linkage policy.

Active subscriptions dropped from 224.7 million in 2023 to 164.9 million in 2024—a decline of 26.61 per cent.

T2, telecommunications operator, has  raised the alarm over what it described as a surge of deliberate misinformation circulating online about its operational structure and its relationship with IHS Towers.

The company said it had become necessary to address the matter publicly following the activities of what it called “pseudo-analysts operating without any credible industry knowledge, grossly misrepresenting how telecommunications networks function and deliberately distorting the facts for attention and engagement,” it noted.

T2 stressed that, contrary to narratives trending across social media platforms, its service delivery model is not dependent on IHS infrastructure.

It explained that commentators pushing such claims were either ignoring or entirely unaware of the fundamental workings of National Roaming, a framework approved by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) that allows operators to seamlessly leverage partner networks to ensure complete coverage without reliance on their own base stations.

The firm described insinuations that it faces operational risks or any threat of service disruption owing to IHS-related developments as technically false, uninformed, and recklessly misleading.

Just as such commentary “creates a false impression of instability, misleading the public and mischaracterising industry dynamics.”

According to the telecom operator, the persistent spread of such narratives indicated something beyond ignorance.

“It is evident that these distortions go beyond mere misunderstanding. The consistent inaccuracies and sensationalist framing suggest malicious intent, aiming to sow confusion rather than provide genuine analysis.

“Self-proclaimed analysts should be held to a standard of accuracy, yet they’re publishing content without grasping telecom operations, National Roaming, or infrastructure sharing implications,” it said.

Meanwhile, T2 maintained that it “rejects these misrepresentations in their entirety, with its operations remaining fully stable, fully supported, and entirely aligned with established industry models.”

It added “The attempt to link T2’s operational integrity to IHS-related narratives is nothing more than manufactured disinformation.”

Additionally, the operator urged subscribers and the general public to disregard false claims and rely solely on verified information.

“We urge the public and our stakeholders to disregard these false claims and rely exclusively on official communication from T2 or recognised industry authorities,” the firm noted. At the same time, reaffirming its commitment to transparency and accurate, technically verified information.

The mobile firm, reiterating its long-term ambition, said, “It remained committed to its vision of being a leading digital lifestyle partner, delivering world-class connectivity that empowers Nigerians to achieve their ambitions”

South Africa’s MTN (MTNJ.J), opens new tab said on Monday its service revenue for the nine months to September rose by 25.9%, driven by strong performances in Nigeria and Ghana.

Africa’s biggest telecom operator, which has more than 300 million customers in 16 markets across the continent, said that excluding the effect of currency fluctuations, group service revenue increased by 22.6%.

MTN Nigeria led growth with a 57.1% rise in service revenue while MTN Ghana rose 35.9%, supported by lower inflation and more stable exchange rates.

However, MTN South Africa saw a slower growth of 2% as gains in post-paid and enterprise were offset by continued pressure in a highly competitive prepaid market.

Data revenue increased by 40%, driven by an expansion of active data subscribers and strong demand, MTN said, while Fintech revenue rose 35.7%.

MTN said 27.9 billion rand ($1.63 billion) in capital expenditure to help expand its commercial business had helped drive growth in data traffic and fintech transactions.

Customer numbers grew 5% to 301 million.

MTN said it plans to expand its AI-powered digital inclusion initiative with Microsoft (MSFT.O), opens new tab across Africa in early 2026.