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Figures released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS)
showed that the sector recorded a 4.3
per cent increase from its performance in the last quarter of 2022 when
it recorded 13.55 per cent.
When compared on a year-on-year basis, the growth showed a positive
progression from 12.94 per cent in the first quarter of 2022 , to the 2023
figure of 14.13, which is an approximate growth of 9.19 per cent.
The percentage of telecom contribution to GDP was calculated
from 46 distinct sectors of the economy, which constitute telecom and
information services baskets.
The Nigerian telecom industry has continued its show of
positive outlook, which is credited to the innovative and predictable telecom
regulatory environment promoted, and implemented by the Nigerian Communications
Commission (NCC).
One of the key highlights of the telecom industry
performance within the period was the generation of $820.8 million for the
federal government from 5G spectrum licences fees paid by three eventual
winning operators, MTN, MAFAB and Airtel.
Following the issuance of the licences in December 2021 to
MTN and MAFAB, both companies have launched 5G services. Airtel, which received
its licence in December 2022, is set to launch services this month, June 2023.
Another major development in the sector was the launch of
Starlinks broadband services, a satellite-based wireless broadband services
with potential nationwide coverage. This followed the issuance of licence to
Elon Musk-owned SpaceX by the Commission. The services are now available in
different parts of the country.
Meanwhile, the growth statistics of the telecom industry are
showing an impressive record of contributions to the economy. The number of
phone subscribers as at April 2023, stood at 223.6 million subscribers, scoring
a teledensity of 117 per cent. Internet
subscribers for the same period were 157 million while Broadband subscriptions
stood at 92 Million, translating to 48
per cent. broadband penetration
in the country.