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Economy

Nigerian Telcos Add 3.39 million Customers as Internet Users Drop in Q1 2025

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internet services

By Adedapo Adesanya

Telecommunications operators in Nigeria added about 3.39 million telephone lines in the first quarter of 2025, pushing active users to 172.7 million, amounting to 79.67 per cent teledensity, according to the latest data released by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) on Tuesday.

The industry regulator also said the number of active telephone users moved from 169.3 million as of January to 172.7 million by March ending.

The latest data showed that 4G technology remained most dominant in the country with 48.82 per cent penetration, followed by 2G at 40 per cent and 3G at 8.40 per cent.

The Fifth Generation (5G) offered by MTN, Mafab and Airtel leaped slightly by 0.16 per cent from 2.54 per cent as of the beginning of the year to 2.70 per cent by the end of March.

The 2.70 per cent means that of the 172.7 million active telephone users in the country, 4.66 million are using the 5G network.

Further analysis, however, showed a drop in the number of Internet users in the country. As of January, it was 142, 161,409 but dropped to 142,053, 537. But Broadband penetration rose to 47.73 per cent from 45.61 per cent. Interestingly, there are now 103.5 million broadband users in the country.

In terms of market dominance, MTN maintained the lead with 90 million users and 52. 4 per cent market reach. Airtel is second with 58.3 million customers and 33.8 per cent reach. Globacom came third with 12 per cent penetration and 20.7 million subscribers. 9mobile is fourth with 1.72 per cent nationwide penetration and 2.96 million customers.

This development comes amid rising complaint of worsening service offering by telcos in the past few days.

So far, only MTN has apologised for service glitch experienced by some subscribers yesterday.

Business Post reports that some MTN subscribers across Nigeria experienced a lengthy network downtime on Tuesday disrupting flow of work and communication.

As a result of the glitch, many users on the network were unable to access the internet and many social networking apps, except WhatsApp.

Speaking to this newspaper, a person identified as Albert Adeoye, said, “MTN really affected me yesterday. I heard people complaining but I didn’t know it was that bad.”

Adedapo Adesanya is a journalist, polymath, and connoisseur of everything art. When he is not writing, he has his nose buried in one of the many books or articles he has bookmarked or simply listening to good music with a bottle of beer or wine. He supports the greatest club in the world, Manchester United F.C.

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Economy

Underrated National Currencies in Crypto Exchange: Why NGN and VND Are Emerging as Promising Markets

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Crypto Market

Crypto exchange is no longer limited to familiar pairs involving the U.S. dollar or the euro. When the goal is specific, e.g., buying USDT with a local currency, receiving an international transfer, or cashing out Bitcoin to a bank account, local fiat currencies take centre stage. The Nigerian naira, or NGN, and the Vietnamese dong, or VND, are excellent examples of this trend. Demand for these currencies is driven not by speculation, but by people solving everyday financial needs.

Why Local Currencies Are Becoming More Important in Crypto Exchange

Across developing markets, cryptocurrency adoption is accelerating where traditional financial infrastructure is slow, expensive, or limited. High international transfer fees, volatile exchange rates, and lack of access to foreign currencies have made digital assets an efficient bridge between local and global financial systems.

Between July 2024 and June 2025, the volume of on-chain cryptocurrency transactions in Sub-Saharan Africa exceeded $205 billion, representing approximately 52% year-over-year growth. Transactions below $10,000 accounted for 8% of total volume, compared with roughly 6% globally, indicating that demand extends well beyond stablecoins such as USDT and USDC. In Southeast Asia, meanwhile, crypto adoption is fueled primarily by the digital economy, cross-border commerce, e-commerce, and high retail participation.

NGN: Why Nigeria Has Become One of the World’s Leading Crypto Markets

Following Nigeria’s currency reforms in 2023–2024, the naira depreciated significantly. Access to U.S. dollars remained limited, while the gap between official and market exchange rates widened. As a result, Bitcoin and stablecoins evolved from investment assets into practical tools for payments and savings and drove a demand for USDT to naira exchanges, as well as Bitcoin to naira conversions.

The numbers illustrate the dynamic. In 2023, Nigeria ranked first globally in the peer-to-peer (P2P) cryptocurrency trading sub-index. In 2024, it climbed to second place in the Global Crypto Adoption Index. During the twelve months ending June 2025, Nigeria’s cryptocurrency transaction volume exceeded $92.1 billion—nearly three times that of South Africa.

Demand patterns are equally impressive. Approximately 89% of cryptocurrency transactions in Nigeria are naira to BTC conversions, excellent rates for which can be found on BestChange, on a dedicated page with NGN to Bitcoin exchange offers. Around 80% of surveyed Nigerians already own stablecoins, while 95% said they would prefer receiving payments in stablecoins rather than in naira. Since 2019, Nigeria has accounted for roughly 60% of all stablecoin inflows into Sub-Saharan Africa. On BestChange, users can also compare offers for exchanging NGN to USDT TRC20, including, as well as the reverse direction, i.e. purchasing naira with crypto—such as BTC to naira or, for example, offers with rates for converting TRX to naira.

International remittances add another major source of demand. In 2024, remittance inflows reached $20.93 billion. While bank transfers cost an average of 15% of the transferred amount, comparable transfers using stablecoins were approximately 60% cheaper.

The legal landscape is also evolving. In 2025, virtual assets were formally brought under Nigeria’s regulatory supervision, while pressure on unregulated platforms increased. Due to this, trusted exchange routes and reputable providers are becoming increasingly important for the crypto exchange market.

VND: Why Vietnam Remains Among the Global Leaders in Crypto Adoption

Vietnam paints a different picture. Unlike Nigeria, it faces no major currency instability, yet it has one of the world’s most active retail cryptocurrency markets. In 2025, the country ranked fourth in the Global Crypto Adoption Index, maintaining a top-five position for several consecutive years. Crypto transactions exceeded $200 billion in total during the twelve months ending June 2025.

Two factors consistently drive demand for crypto exchanges with dong: international remittances and Vietnam’s rapidly expanding digital economy. During 2024–2025, annual remittance inflows exceeded $16 billion, creating steady demand for converting foreign assets into Vietnamese dong.

Users looking to cash out can exchange USDT to VND (TRC20 network) or convert crypto from another network, e.g., USDT (ERC20) to Vietnamese dong. The flagship cryptocurrency exchanges are also available in the list of offers for Bitcoin to VND conversions. Those moving in the opposite direction can compare offers to convert VND to USDT (TRC20) or dong to USDT (ERC20) on BestChange.

Vietnam’s e-commerce market has also grown to approximately $32 billion, generating additional demand for fast and efficient payment solutions.

Additionally, crypto regulation is gradually becoming more structured. Beginning in January 2026, Vietnamese authorities started accepting license applications from cryptocurrency platform operators, followed by the launch of an accelerated regulatory pilot program later that spring.

How BestChange Helps Find NGN and VND Exchange Offers

In emerging markets, evaluating an exchange route means looking beyond the exchange rate alone. The cryptocurrency, blockchain network, payout method, available reserves, transaction limits, and service reputation all matter.

BestChange allows users to compare these factors before sending funds. For each exchange direction, you can instantly view offers from verified exchange services, including exchange rates, reserves, limits, payout methods, and—perhaps most importantly—reviews from other users.

Before sending cryptocurrency, it is also recommended to check the wallet addresses involved using an AML analyzer to reduce compliance risks.

NGN and VND are no longer niche markets. They support real-world financial needs, including international transfers, everyday payments, and holding part of one’s savings in stablecoins.

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Economy

Increased Household Penetration, Others Buoy PZ Cussons FY’26 Revenue Growth

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PZ Cussons

By Aduragbemi Omiyale

Leading manufacturer of personal healthcare products and consumer goods, PZ Cussons Plc, recorded a 22 per cent growth in its revenue in the 2026 fiscal year.

In its unaudited results recently submitted to the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) Limited, the company posted revenue of N260.46 billion in the period under review compared with the N212.63 billion achieved in the corresponding period in 2025.

This revenue growth was buoyed by market share gains for its major brands, increased household penetration and robust volume uplift, according to the chief executive of PZ Cussons, Mr Oghale Elueni.

It was observed that the cost of sales as a percentage of revenue was 72 per cent, 100bps lower than the prior year, driven by better mix and supply efficiencies.

Marketing and distribution expenses increased by 48.2 per cent to N26.51 billion from N17.89 billion, and administrative expenses also spiked by 43 per cent to N21.07 billion from N14.70 billion.

Also, the organisation recorded significant profitability for the year ended May 31, 2026, rising by 388 per cent to N49.10 billion from N10.07 billion.

Mr Elueni attributed this strong performance to the strength of the business, the equity of the brands, and the discipline of execution, noting that despite the complex and consistently challenging operating environment, the company pulled through to deliver growth in both revenue and profit.

He disclosed that the 22 per cent revenue growth recorded for the 2026 financial year was influenced by a healthy mix of volume and price initiatives.

“The balance sheet was further de-leveraged and strengthened through a cash-accretive P&L and efficient working capital management. The impact has been an improvement in the net asset position from N17.3 billion negative at the beginning of the year to N70.6 billion at year-end.

“The business grew volumes in both the electrical and consumer business, leveraging investment in our brands and sharpening our go-to-market capabilities. The result has been market share gains for our major brands, increased household penetration and robust volume uplift, contributing to overall revenue growth,” he stated.

Mr Elueni expressed profound appreciation to the shareholders for their unwavering support in navigating through the challenges in the last 12 months, noting that the board remains confident that, despite geopolitical uncertainties and their attendant economic shocks, the business is sufficiently resourced to deliver value to stakeholders.

“We have a business that has strong brands, an adaptive operating framework and a culture of disciplined execution that supports the consistent delivery of value to stakeholders,” he stated.

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Economy

Nigeria Records Higher Crude Oil Production in May, June

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crude oil 1.27 million barrels per day

By Adedapo Adesanya

Nigeria’s crude oil production increased in May and June, according to data published by the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).

The country’s output increased by 42,000 barrels per day to 1,530 million barrels in May, from 1,489 million barrels in April.

According to Reuters, Nigeria, whose shipments were not affected by the Iran war, also pumped ⁠more in June, based on flow data from financial group LSEG, information from other companies that track flows, such as ⁠Kpler, and data provided by sources at oil companies, OPEC, and consultants.

Output from the OPEC rose by 2.34 million barrels a day to 18.75 million a day, with the gains driven by Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Iran, the survey showed. The rebound still leaves production considerably below prewar levels.

Kuwait posted the biggest increase among OPEC’s 11 members last month, boosting output by 870,000 barrels a day to 1.36 million a day followed by Saudi Arabia, which raised output by 550,000 barrels a day to an average of 7.2 million a day. That was followed by Iran, which hiked by 510,000 a day to pump 2.85 million a day, and has accumulated a hoard of supply on tankers at sea as it struggles to find buyers.

In the wider alliance, Russia has bolstered crude exports to record levels following Ukrainian strikes on its refineries, potentially diverting volumes that can’t be processed at home.

Even before the peace deal, Persian Gulf producers had found ways to sneak cargoes out through the strait, which was largely shuttered in the early stages of the conflict.

The uptick in supply is creating a surplus in parts of the market, erasing crude’s wartime rally and raising the question of whether OPEC nations will need to compete for customers.

The group’s June production was still 7.3 million barrels a day, or 28 per cent, below February levels, when adjusted for exit by the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The UAE quit OPEC in May, giving it the freedom to pump at will once the strait fully stabilises. Iraq also briefly threatened it could exit unless eventually given a higher output quota by the organisation.

On Sunday, a subgroup of seven OPEC+ nations announced a 188,000 barrels a day boost in August continuing the series of small and symbolic production hikes during the war to continue a process of restoring output halted a few years ago.

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