The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), has revealed that Nigeria experienced a decline in telephone penetration during November. This adjustment in statistical indicators comes in light of new population growth figures and aims to align with international standards.
The NCC highlighted that the adjustment, reflected in telecom industry reports from September to November 2023, is based on projections from the Nigerian Population Commission, estimating Nigeria’s population at 216,783,381 as of 2022. This replaces the previously used projection of 190 million people from 2017.
Teledensity, which measures telephone penetration, dropped to 102.97 per cent in November 2023, down from 115.63 per cent in August 2023, according to the NCC. Director of Public Affairs, Reuben Muoka, signed a statement indicating that this adjustment aligns with the International Telecommunication Union’s standards.
Additionally, broadband penetration also saw a decline from 45.47 per cent to 40.85 per cent in September, while active voice subscriptions experienced a marginal growth from 220,361,186 to 221,769,883, and Internet subscriptions rose from 159,034,717 in August 2023 to 160,171,757 in September 2023.
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The NCC defines teledensity as an index for measuring telephone penetration per 100 individuals in the population, consistent with the Nigerian Communications Act 2003.
Dr Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, emphasized that this adjustment maintains data integrity in the telecom industry and facilitates accurate measurement of progress towards increased broadband penetration and improved service quality.
Regarding industry statistics, the NCC clarified the delay in publication since September 2023, attributing it to methodology changes.
In related news, Karl Toriola, CEO of MTN Nigeria, highlighted the impact of handset costs on digital inclusion, noting that despite significant 5G coverage expansion, handset affordability remains a barrier. He suggested local assembly to reduce production costs and eliminate customs duties.
Toriola also discussed financing solutions and stressed the importance of credit scoring history for citizens to finance mobile devices. MTN is collaborating with regulatory authorities to address device affordability and promote digital inclusion in Nigeria.
Concerns over smartphone affordability persist, with taxes and duties contributing to increased costs, particularly affecting rural areas where smartphone ownership is lower. According to GSMA, only 58 per cent of urban Nigerians own smartphones, compared to 68 per cent in rural areas.
