The Nigerian Communications Commission says the number of active mobile subscriptions in the country has reached 220,715,961 million as of August 2023. 

The executive vice chairman of NCC, Umar Danbatta, disclosed this at the 18th Abuja International Trade Fair organised by the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) on Thursday.

This year’s 12-day edition of the fair has the theme: “Sustainable Financing and Taxation’’.

Mr Danbatta, represented by the director, Consumer Affairs Bureau, Umar Alkasim, also said the number of active internet subscribers was 159,034,717 million, with broadband penetration at 45.57 per cent as of August 2023.

He said the competitiveness of Nigerian businesses depended on their ability to leverage new technologies by acquiring the necessary digital skills to do business on an international scale.

Mr Danbatta said: “In Nigeria today, the number of active mobile subscriptions reached 220,715,961 million as of August 2023, while Teledensity stood at 115.63 per cent at the same period.

“Also, the number of active internet subscribers was 159,034,717 million, with broadband penetration at 45.57 per cent as of August 2023.” 

He said NCC’s regulatory efforts in deepening access to digital services would benefit Nigeria and make it competitive and comparable with other economies in job creation and contribution to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth.

Mr Danbatta said that NCC would continue to create a conducive environment to sustain the steady growth of the telecoms sector.
 
He said the environment would stimulate the deployment of robust broadband infrastructure to improve the Quality of service (QoS) and Quality of Experience (QoE) for telecom consumers, whether individuals or corporates.

Earlier, the director, Consumer Affairs Bureau, Umar Alkasim, reiterated that NCC’s commitment was to ensure fair competition and a level playing field for all stakeholders in the telecommunication industry.

(NAN)