The government of Nigeria has identified the booming telecommunications industry, which has been spurred by the widespread use of digital technology by Nigerians, as a crucial factor in accelerating the push toward a digital economy. According to the National Communication Commission the newly built and deployed 5G network would improve communication services in Nigeria. Professor Umar Danbatta, NCC Executive Vice Chairman made this known at the NCC Day, 44th Kaduna International Trade Fair, Kaduna on Saturday.
Among the firms granted a 5G broadband license by the commission, one had already begun a commercial launch in Lagos. Prof. Danbatta reaffirmed the commission’s tireless endeavor to encourage more companies to switch to digital platforms, and he also said that the 5G network will be expanded to other areas of the nation over time. As of December 2022, the tele-density in Nigeria increased by 116.60 percentage points, and the number of active mobile telephone users surged to 222.571 million, he said.
Nigeria has recorded 83.73 percent mobile traffic.
As of 2022, approximately 84 million people in Nigeria were using the internet; this number is expected to grow to 117 million by 2027. However, by then, over half of the country’s residents should be available on the web, up from the nearly 40 percent who were available on the web in 2022. This is a positive sign that social media in Nigeria is prospering and can expand to meet the needs of more people. According to Statista, Nigeria has recorded 83.73 percent mobile traffic share, making it the second most popular country in Africa for mobile users. Despite the fact that mobile devices now account for more than 80% of all Internet traffic in the nation.
Prof. Danbatta, who was represented by Banji Ojo, Head of Consumer Protection and Advocacy, said that the commission acknowledged the telecommunication industry’s contribution to promoting the digital economy agenda and that the industry continues to provide the necessary digital stamina to support economic activity, in particular the work of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria and beyond. Information and communications technology is one of the fastest expanding sectors, providing a huge push for innovation and growth, as well as generating a great deal of new employment opportunities and enhancing international trade.
NCC is putting measures in place to ensure access to telecom services.
Moreover, NCC has also commenced a program to educate business owners in all six of the country’s geopolitical zones in digital literacy. They are said to be in accordance with the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy 2020-2030’s Digital Literacy and Skills Pillar. The goal was to help entrepreneurs create their export-ready products and service offerings and provide them the tools they need to succeed. Prof. Danbatta said Nigeria stands to gain a great deal from the commission’s work to expand access to digital services.
Some of the benefits for the country are that it makes room for business innovations, helps the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grow, and gives the country a competitive edge when it comes to job creation. Also, driving the change of the workforce and the growth of new services and industries. Furthermore, he claims that the commission has assumed responsibility for putting in place the essential measures to guarantee that Nigerians have access to telecom services as well as for regulating the economy by making our SMEs digitally compliant.
5G network will enhance Nigeria’s telecom infrastructure.
With this new trend, it is more important than ever for Nigeria’s small and medium-sized enterprises to acquire the digital skills essential to compete on a global basis. Nigeria’s telecommunications infrastructure will be greatly enhanced with the introduction of the 5G network, which will provide faster connections, more network capacity, and decreased latency. Meanwhile, NCC has pledged to maintain its efforts to level the playing field for operators, encourage investment, and facilitate the supply of cutting-edge services to individuals, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and large businesses.
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