The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has revealed that Nigeria accounts for a substantial share of telecom subscriptions and internet consumption in Africa.
The Executive Vice Chairman of the Commission, Prof Umar Danbatta, disclosed this during the opening ceremony of the Emerging Technology Forum for the Telecommunications Industry in Abuja.
Read also: NCC – Nigeria is 11th in global Internet penetration, 7th in Mobile Phone Usage
Specifically, he revealed that the country holds:
82% of Telecom Subscriptions: Nigeria is the leader in Africa, with 82% of telecom subscriptions on the continent; 29% of Internet Consumption: It also contributes significantly to internet usage in Africa, representing 29% of the continent’s internet consumption; Global Internet and Mobile Rankings: Nigeria ranks 11th in the world for internet penetration and 7th for mobile phone usage.
However, despite these impressive statistics, Nigeria faces challenges in its Network Readiness Index (NRI).
The Network Readiness Index (NRI) measures the role and impact of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and explores the performance of economies in various categories, including technology (infrastructure), governance, people, and impact. In 2022, Nigeria was ranked 109th out of 131 countries in the NRI.
Prioritizing Network Readiness
Danbatta, emphasized the importance of prioritizing network readiness for social and economic transformation. He stated that it is not only a strategic necessity but a mandate for the nation. The Emerging Technology Forum for the Telecommunications Industry in Abuja is expected to discuss the pillars of network readiness and explore various aspects of the NRI.
Exploring the Emerging Technology Forum
The Emerging Technology Forum for the Telecommunications Industry, held in Abuja, serves as a platform to delve into the foundational pillars of network readiness. The forum brings together experts and stakeholders to engage in thought-provoking discussions about various aspects of the NRI.
Innovation Symphony: The forum embodies an “innovation symphony” that guides attendees towards the intersection of transformation and advancement. It’s where aspirations meet achievements, and it acts as a beacon for Nigeria’s journey towards a fully interconnected, telecommunications-driven nation.
Leveraging Emerging Technologies for Inclusive Growth
Dr. Chidi Diugwu, Head of New Media and Information Security at the NCC, urged stakeholders to use insights from the NRI to guide policies, investments, and collaborations. By doing so, Nigeria can harness the potential of emerging technologies, invest in human capital, and promote innovation. This approach aims to bridge the digital divide, create new opportunities, and shape a prosperous and inclusive digital future for the country.
The Forum’s Objectives
The Executive-Commissioner, Technical Services, NCC, Ubale Maska, highlighted the primary objective of the forum:
Reviewing Nigeria’s NRI: The forum will assess the latest findings of Nigeria’s NRI, providing critical insights into the country’s digital transformation progress.
Identifying Barriers and Drivers: Attendees will explore the various barriers hindering the adoption of innovative technologies and the key drivers that can propel Nigeria forward in the digital era.
Crafting Actionable Solutions: Through collaborative efforts, the forum aims to generate actionable solutions to overcome challenges and drive the telecom and internet industry towards new heights.
Nigeria’s prominent position in African telecom and internet subscriptions is commendable. However, addressing the Network Readiness Index’s challenges is imperative for sustained growth and resilience in the digital age. The NCC’s commitment to leveraging emerging technologies and insights from the NRI signals a promising path towards a prosperous and inclusive digital future for Nigeria. As the nation continues to navigate the evolving digital landscape, the forum serves as a critical platform for shaping its digital destiny.