The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has made data available showing that the teledensity of the nation decreased from 115.63% in August 2023 to 102.97% in November 2023. This occurred when the Commission raised the parameters to reflect the most recent population increase data and be consistent with global best practices.
The Nigerian Population Commission (NPC) has projected Nigeria’s population to be 216.7 million as of 2022, replacing the 2017 projection of 190 million people. This change is reflected in the telecom industry statistical reports of September, October, and November 2023, according to a statement signed by Mr Reuben Muoka, the NCC’s Director of Public Affairs.
The International Telecommunications Union, or ITU, has established an index called teledensity that measures the percentage of people in a population who own a phone, expressed as one line per 100 people. The Commission’s adjustment is in line with Section 89 Subsection 3(d) of the Nigerian Communications Act 2003 (NCA 2003), which gives the Commission the authority to track and report on the condition of the Nigerian telecoms sector, offer statistical analysis, and pinpoint market trends about services, rates, operators, technology, subscribers, and competition-related issues.
Dr Aminu Maida, the Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, confirmed that the country’s telecom statistical adjustment method is a suitable measure to preserve the accuracy of data regarding the Nigerian telecom sector as gathered, compiled, and disseminated by the Commission. He pointed out that this will guarantee the precise evaluation of the Commission’s advancement toward achieving the targets outlined in the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy Strategic Plan, which include raising broadband penetration rates, enhancing service quality, and expanding population coverage.
Additionally, he noted that the public, other development organizations, operators, investors, international agencies, and the International Telecommunication Union—to which Nigeria is a member—can all benefit from access to such data.
