Internet and Telephony Subscriptions In Nigeria Are Steadily Rising

According to the Nigerian Communications Commission’s (NCC) most recent telecoms statistical indicators, the country’s active voice and internet subscriptions have been steadily rising.

Along with this, there has been a decrease in teledensity, which has been modified to conform to global best practices and the most recent population growth statistics.

The adjustment was based on the Nigerian Population Commission’s (NPC) estimate of Nigeria’s population at 216,783,381 as of 2022, replacing the previously used 2017 projection of 190 million people. This adjustment is reflected in the telecom industry statistical reports of September, October, and November 2023, published on the Commission’s website.

The country’s teledensity decreased from 115.63% to 102.30% in September with the ensuing adjustment, which is consistent with the International Telecommunication Union’s (ITU) teledensity calculation. At the same time, broadband penetration decreased from 45.47% to 40.85%.

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As of September 2023, the numbers for active voice subscriptions showed a little increase, going from 220,361,186 to 221,769,883. Additionally, there was a little increase in Internet subscriptions, which went from 159,034,717 in August 2023 to 160,171,757 in September 2023.

The industry also had a 0.19% increase in Active Voice subscriptions in October 2023, a 102.49% teledensity, and 0.60% growth in Internet subscriptions from September 2023 to October 2023.

The industry also saw a 0.46% increase in Active Voice subscribers in November of that same year.

Compared to October 2023, teledensity was 102.97%, and Internet subscriptions had increased by 0.57%.

The International Telecommunications Union, or ITU, has established an index called teledensity that measures the percentage of people in a population who own a phone, expressed as one line per 100 people.

The Commission’s adjustment is in line with Section 89 Subsection 3(d) of the Nigerian Communications Act 2003 (NCA 2003), which gives the Commission the authority to track and report on the condition of the Nigerian telecoms sector, offer statistical analysis, and pinpoint market trends pertaining to services, rates, operators, technology, subscribers, and competition-related issues.

Dr. Aminu Maida, the Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, confirmed that the country’s telecom statistical adjustment method is a suitable measure to preserve the accuracy of data regarding the Nigerian telecom sector as gathered, compiled, and disseminated by the Commission.

In addition, he pointed out that this would guarantee the precise evaluation of the Commission’s advancement toward achieving the targets outlined in the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy Strategic Plan, which include raising broadband penetration rates, enhancing service quality, and expanding population coverage.

Additionally, he noted that the public, operators, investors, international agencies, and the International Telecommunications Union—to which Nigeria is a member—can all benefit from this type of data.