The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has revealed a consistent rise in active voice and internet subscriptions, despite a decline in teledensity, according to the latest telecommunications statistical indicators. The metrics have been adjusted to align with the Nigerian Population Commission’s projection, bringing the current population estimate to 216,783,381 as of 2022, up from the previous projection of 190 million people.

Dr. Reuben Muoka, NCC’s Director of Public Affairs, stated that with this adjustment, the nation’s teledensity dropped from 115.63% to 102.30%, and broadband penetration decreased from 45.47% to 40.85% in September 2023. However, active voice subscriptions witnessed a marginal growth from 220,361,186 to 221,769,883, and internet subscriptions also experienced a slight increase from 159,034,717 in August 2023 to 160,171,757 in September 2023.

In October 2023, the industry saw a 0.19% growth in active voice subscriptions with a teledensity of 102.49%, and internet subscriptions rose by 0.60%. The trend continued in November with a 0.46% growth in active voice subscriptions and a 0.57% increase in internet subscriptions compared to October 2023.

Teledensity, an index prescribed by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) for measuring telephone penetration in a population, dropped as a result of the adjusted metrics. Dr. Aminu Maida, the Executive Vice-Chairman of the NCC, endorsed the adjustment process, emphasizing its role in maintaining data integrity and accurately measuring the Commission’s progress in increasing broadband penetration, improving service quality, and expanding population coverage.

The telecom statistical adjustment process ensures that data provided by the NCC is accurate and reliable for various stakeholders, including the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), development agencies, operators, investors, multilateral agencies, and the general public.