The Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Umar Danbatta, has revealed that the commission’s efforts to improve broadband penetration have resulted in a 47.01% penetration rate as of July 2023. He also noted that 5G subscriptions have reached half a million. Under his leadership, the telecommunications industry in Nigeria has achieved several milestones, including increased telephone subscribers, broadband penetration, and internet subscriptions. The sector now contributes 16% to the GDP and has seen significant investments, with the NCC generating over $847.8 million from the sale of 5G C-Band Spectrum. Additionally, the NCC has taken steps to address revenue leakages, improve consumer protection, and promote indigenous telecom sector growth.
Danbatta stated, “The Commission has put frameworks in place to work with necessary stakeholders to overcome the obstacles posed by these challenges and to sustain the growth trajectory which has been the hallmark of the telecoms sector as an enabler of socio-economic development in Nigeria.”
Key Takeaways:
- Broadband penetration in Nigeria stands at 47.01% as of July 2023.
- 5G subscriptions have reached half a million.
- The telecommunications sector contributes 16% to the GDP.
- The sector has attracted significant investments, with the NCC generating over $847.8 million from the sale of 5G C-Band Spectrum.
- Initiatives include the introduction of Spectrum Trading Guidelines, facilitating the landing of additional submarine cables, and licensing of Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs).
- The NCC has endowed professorial chairs in Nigerian universities and committed over N500 million to Research and Development (R&D) in the telecoms sector.
- The Commission has taken actions on consumer protection, advocacy, information-sharing, and education.