Nigeria Leads with 82% of Africa’s Telecom Subscriptions, NCC Reports

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has unveiled that Nigeria commands an impressive 82% share of telecom subscriptions across Africa.

During the inauguration of the Emerging Technology Forum for the Telecommunications Industry in Abuja, Prof Umar Danbatta, the Executive Vice Chairman of the Commission, revealed that Nigeria also constitutes 29% of the continent’s internet consumption.

This achievement positions Nigeria as the 11th globally in terms of internet penetration and the 7th for mobile phone utilization.

However, Danbatta highlighted that despite these noteworthy accomplishments, the country’s Network Readiness Index (NRI) remains comparatively low. As per his information, Nigeria ranked 109th among 131 nations in 2022.

The NRI serves as a guiding measure assessing the role and impact of Information and Communication Technology (ICT). It evaluates the performances of 131 economies based on four pivotal categories: technology (infrastructure), governance, human resources, and impact.

Significance of Network Readiness

In emphasizing the significance of network readiness, Danbatta, represented at the event by NCC’s Director of Spectrum Administration, Engr. Abraham Oshadami, stated:

“As catalysts for social and economic transformation within our nation, prioritizing network readiness stands as both a strategic imperative and a mandate. Throughout our deliberations, we will partake in insightful forum discussions that delve into the foundational pillars of NRI, through presentations by eminent professionals in the technology landscape. “As we gather here today, the symphony of innovation resonates with our shared aspirations. The Emerging Technology Forum serves as a guiding light, directing us towards the juncture of transformation and progress. “This forum becomes the bridge that connects our ambitions to our accomplishments. Through robust dialogues, collaborative exchanges, and the exploration of emerging technologies, we draw nearer to our vision of a fully interconnected Nigeria driven by telecommunications.”

Harnessing Emerging Technologies

Prior to this, Dr. Chidi Diugwu, the Head of New Media and Information Security at the NCC, urged stakeholders in his opening remarks to embrace insights provided by NRI to steer policies, investments, and partnerships.

Diugwu highlighted that this approach would empower the nation to tap into the potential of emerging technologies, invest in human capital, and promote innovation.

This, he added, would ultimately unlock novel prospects, bridge the digital divide, and shape a prosperous and inclusive digital future for Nigeria.

Addressing the gathering, Ubale Maska, the Executive-Commissioner for Technical Services at NCC, emphasized that NRI served as a robust indicator of how Nigeria was adapting to the ongoing digital transformation worldwide.

Maska stated that the primary objective of the forum was to offer standardized roadmaps and best practices for gauging ICT’s impact on society and advocating for the adoption of new technologies.

He confirmed that the forum would scrutinize Nigeria’s latest NRI findings, delve into barriers and key enablers for implementing innovative technologies, and ultimately formulate actionable solutions to propel the industry forward.