Nigeria’s telecommunications landscape has experienced a consistent surge in active voice and internet subscriptions, coupled with a decline in teledensity, according to the updated statistical indicators released by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). The adjustments in the latest reports for September, October, and November 2023 factor in the latest population growth figures to conform with international standards.

The recalibration, influenced by the Nigerian Population Commission’s projection of the country’s population at 216,783,381 in 2022, replacing the previous estimate of 190 million in 2017, resulted in a drop in teledensity from 115.63% to 102.30% in September. Broadband penetration also decreased from 45.47% to 40.85% during the same month. However, active voice subscriptions marginally increased from 220,361,186 to 221,769,883 in September 2023. Internet subscriptions experienced a slight growth from 159,034,717 in August 2023 to 160,171,757 in September 2023.

In October 2023, active voice subscriptions saw a 0.19% increase, and teledensity stood at 102.49%, while Internet subscriptions grew by 0.60% compared to September 2023.

November 2023 witnessed a 0.46% growth in active voice subscriptions, teledensity at 102.97%, and a 0.57% increase in Internet subscriptions compared to October 2023.

Teledensity, a measure prescribed by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), indicates telephone penetration in a population by one line per 100 individuals.

The NCC’s adjustment aligns with Section 89 Subsection 3(d) of the Nigerian Communications Act 2003 (NCA 2003), requiring the Commission to monitor and report on the state of the Nigerian telecommunications industry and provide statistical analysis.

Dr. Aminu Maida, the Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, emphasized the importance of this adjustment in maintaining data integrity, accurately measuring progress towards increased broadband penetration, improved service quality, and expanded population coverage.