The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) reports a consistent rise in active voice and internet subscriptions in Nigeria.
Dr. Reuben Muoka, NCC’s Director of Public Affairs, explained that the increase in metrics is accompanied by a decline in teledensity, reflecting the latest telecommunications statistical indicators. These metrics have been adjusted to align with the most recent population growth figures, a practice in line with international standards.
Muoka mentioned that the adjustment was based on the Nigerian Population Commission’s (NPC) projection, indicating Nigeria’s population as 216,783,381 as of 2022, replacing the previous estimate of 190 million from 2017.
“With the consequential adjustment, which is in line with the International Telecommunication Union’s (ITU) calculation of teledensity, the nation’s teledensity dropped from 115.63 percent to 102.30 percent in September.”
“While broadband penetration witnessed a similar drop from 45.47 percent to 40.85 per cent in the same month. The active voice subscription statistics witnessed a marginal growth from 220,361,186 to 221,769,883 as of September 2023.
“In addition, Internet subscriptions also enjoyed a marginal growth, from 159,034,717 in August 2023 to 160,171,757 in September 2023,” he said.
In October 2023, there was a 0.19% growth in active voice subscriptions, with a teledensity of 102.49%. Internet subscriptions also rose by 0.60% compared to September 2023.
In November of the same year, the industry saw a 0.46% growth in active voice subscriptions, reaching a teledensity of 102.97%. Additionally, there was a 0.57% increase in internet subscriptions compared to October 2023.
Muoka emphasised that teledensity is an index prescribed by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) for measuring telephone penetration in a population by a factor of one line per 100 individuals. The adjustment aligns with Section 89 Subsection 3(d) of the Nigerian Communications Act 2003 (NCA 2003).
Dr. Aminu Maida, the Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, endorsed the adjustment process, stating it upholds the integrity of data related to the Nigerian telecom industry. He highlighted the importance of accurate measurement for monitoring progress, increasing broadband penetration rates, improving service quality, and expanding population coverage, providing valuable information for various stakeholders.