The Nigerian Telecommunications Commission has revealed that Nigeria holds the eleventh position globally for Internet penetration and the seventh for mobile phone usage. The Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission, Prof Umar Danbatta, conveyed this information during the opening of the two-day Emerging Technology Forum for the Telecommunications Industry in Abuja.
Speaking through Abraham Oshadami, Head of Spectrum Database Management at NCC, Danbatta highlighted that NRI (Network Readiness Index) data collected globally underscored the necessity for worldwide digital transformation to optimize the societal and economic impacts of the digital era. The NRI assessed 131 economies based on technology (infrastructure), governance, people, and effect.
Danbatta further stated, “Nigeria is a telecommunications powerhouse, representing 82% of the continent’s telecom subscribers and 29% of its internet consumption. We rank eleventh globally for Internet penetration and seventh for mobile phone usage.”
Despite these commendable figures, Nigeria’s NRI ranking for 2022 came in at 109th out of 131 countries, a realization that both humbles and presents challenges.
Danbatta emphasized that prioritizing network readiness is essential not only for strategic purposes but as a mission for driving social and economic development. He noted that while digital advancement can lead to new inequalities, it’s a potent means to achieve more with less across various income levels. As formal education evolves, informed policymaking supported by metrics becomes increasingly crucial.