Nigeria has seen a consistent rise in active voice and internet subscriptions, coupled with a decrease in teledensity, according to the latest telecommunications statistical indicators from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
These indicators, adjusted to reflect the latest population growth figures and international standards, show shifts in key metrics.
The adjustments, based on the Nigerian Population Commission’s projection of a population of 216,783,381 in 2022, replaced the previous estimate of 190 million in 2017. Consequently, teledensity declined from 115.63% to 102.30%, and broadband penetration dropped from 45.47% to 40.85% in September. However, active voice subscriptions saw a slight increase from 220,361,186 to 221,769,883, and internet subscriptions grew from 159,034,717 in August to 160,171,757 in September 2023.
In October, the industry witnessed a 0.19% growth in active voice subscriptions, and teledensity stood at 102.49%, with a 0.60% increase in internet subscriptions compared to September. In November, there was a 0.46% growth in active voice subscriptions, teledensity reached 102.97%, and internet subscriptions increased by 0.57% compared to October.
Teledensity, a measure defined by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), dropped in accordance with international guidelines. The adjustment aligns with Section 89 Subsection 3(d) of the Nigerian Communications Act 2003, mandating the NCC to monitor and report on the telecommunications industry.
Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, affirmed the adjustment as a necessary step to uphold data integrity and accurately measure progress in broadband penetration and service quality. The data also serves international bodies, development agencies, operators, investors, and the public.
