Thursday, July 16, 2026

Telecoms contributed N2.5 trillion to Nigeria’s GDP in Q1 2023: NCC

Within the period under review, the federal government generated $820.8 million from 5G spectrum licences fees.

• June 8, 2023
Nigerian Communications Commission
Nigerian Communications Commission

Telecommunications and ICT services contributed N2.508 trillion to Nigeria’s GDP in the first quarter of 2023, the Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC) stated on Thursday.

NCC quoted figures released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) in a statement issued by its Director, Public Affairs, Reuben Muoka.

“Telecoms contribution to GDP was calculated from 46 distinct sectors of the economy, which constitute telecoms and information services baskets.

“The Nigerian telecoms industry has continued to show a positive outlook, which is credited to the innovative and predictable telecoms regulatory environment implemented by the NCC.

“One of the key highlights of the telecoms industry performance within the period was the generation of 820.8 million dollars for the Federal Government from 5G spectrum licences fees.

“The fees were paid by three operators, MTN, MAFAB and Airtel,’’ Mr Muoka stated.

He added that following the issuance of the licences in December 2021, MTN and MAFAB already launched 5G services, while Airtel, which received its licence in December 2022, is set to launch the service in June.

The NCC spokesman stated also that another major development in the sector was the launch of Starlinks broadband services, a satellite-based wireless broadband service with potential nationwide coverage.

He added that this followed the issuance of licence to Elon Musk-owned SpaceX by the NCC, noting that the services were now available in different parts of the country.

Mr Muoka stressed that the growth statistics of the telecoms industry were showing impressive record of contributions to the Nigerian economy.

He stated that the number of phone subscribers in Nigeria as at April 2023 stood at 223.6 million.

Number of Internet subscribers for the same period was 157 million, while broadband subscriptions stood at 92 million, Mr Muoka added.

(NAN)

We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.

More from Peoples Gazette

farmers

Agriculture

FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology

The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices

Katsina State

Politics

Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku

“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”

Delta State

States

Traditional institutions must shun politics, Delta monarch 

The traditional ruler urged the outgoing officials to continue to offer their experience and knowledge to the community.

Niger State

States

Niger pledges people-centred information management

The information ministry urged Niger residents to embrace constructive engagements.

APC LOGO

NationWide

Court orders parties to maintain status quo in Benue APC leadership suit

The Counsel to INEC, Oluwole Olukunle, however, said the commission had responded to the processes filed by the plaintiff.

Nigerian Bureau of Statistics (NBS)

NationWide

Farmers say insecurity, flooding responsible for June food inflation 

Mr Oke commended the federal government’s efforts to improve food security and moderate inflation.

Kogi and Nasarawa states.

States

Stakeholders link illegal mining to security challenges in Kogi, Nasarawa

Mr Oyiguh said, “The health and well-being of residents should take precedence over the economic interests of government or private operators.”