Technology
Nigerian Telecoms Industry Records Major Milestones
The telecommunications sector in Nigeria has witnessed a remarkable transformation over the last two decades, evolving from basic voice services to high-speed data connectivity that drives innovation, social interaction, and economic growth.
This was revealed by the Executive Vice Chairman and CEO of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida, during a stakeholders’ meeting held in Abuja. Speaking on the sector’s achievements, Dr. Maida highlighted that Nigeria now has an estimated 132 million internet connections, cementing its status as a key player in the global digital landscape, which boasts over five billion internet users.
“Nigerians spend an average of four hours and 20 minutes daily on social media, surpassing the global average,” Dr. Maida noted, emphasizing how deeply integrated digital interaction has become in the daily lives of Nigerians. He further revealed that in 2024, the nation’s daily data usage hit an impressive average of 336 gigabytes per second, a 39% increase from the previous year.
From 3G to 5G: The Digital Evolution
Tracing the country’s telecom journey, Dr. Maida highlighted the introduction of 3G in the mid-2000s, which enabled basic browsing and email services. This was followed by the deployment of 4G LTE, which provided faster speeds and supported activities such as video streaming and online gaming. The recent rollout of 5G networks has further enhanced these digital experiences, paving the way for advanced applications in education, healthcare, and e-commerce.
“The telecommunications landscape in Nigeria has transformed significantly. With the rollout of 3G, 4G, and now 5G, Nigerians are embracing e-commerce, online banking, social media, and other digital innovations,” Dr. Maida stated.
Challenges and Future Commitments
While acknowledging the sector’s progress, Dr. Maida admitted that challenges in service delivery persist. However, he reassured stakeholders of the NCC’s commitment to addressing these issues and ensuring reliable and affordable internet services for all Nigerians, especially in underserved and unserved areas.
“Wherever Nigerians are, they should have access to dependable internet services. We are committed to working tirelessly to achieve this goal,” he said.
Dr. Maida further stressed that the NCC’s Strategic Vision focuses on meeting the expectations of consumers, licensees, and the government while driving digital inclusivity and economic growth.
A Path to a Digital Future
The stakeholders’ meeting also served as a platform to discuss strategies for sustaining the momentum in Nigeria’s telecom sector. Dr. Maida emphasized the Commission’s dedication to advancing digital connectivity and improving service quality to position Nigeria as a global leader in the digital economy.
As the nation continues to embrace cutting-edge technology, the NCC’s leadership is poised to steer Nigeria’s telecommunications industry toward a more innovative and inclusive future.
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