According to Professor Umar Danbatta, the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (VC/CEO) of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), investment in the telecom sector in Nigeria reached $77 billion by the second quarter of 2023, up from $38 billion. This significant growth contributed 16 percent to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
During a media parley in Kano, Professor Danbatta highlighted the telecom industry’s substantial contribution to Nigeria’s GDP. He noted that in 2015, when he assumed the role of EVC of NCC, the industry contributed approximately 8 percent to GDP. However, this has since doubled to reach the current level of 16 percent, positively impacting various sectors of the economy.
Professor Danbatta also provided key statistics, revealing that the number of telephone users in Nigeria had reached 218.9 million, internet subscribers totaled 159.5 million, and broadband users had reached 88.7 million during the period under review.
He identified several challenges hindering broadband deployment in the country, including Right of Way (RoW) issues, fiber cuts, high capital requirements for deployment, multiple taxation, and regulations. However, he assured Nigerians that the NCC is committed to addressing these challenges and navigating regulatory complexities, digital literacy, and the digital divide to continue fostering growth in the telecom sector.
