Nigeria ranked 11th in world internet penetration – NCC
The Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC), has revealed that Nigeria is now ranked 11th in the world in terms of internet penetration, and 7th in terms of mobile usage.
NCC, Executive Vice Chairman Prof Umar Danbatta, stated this on Thursday in Abuja at a workshop on Emerging Technology and Forum for Telecommunication Industry, with the theme: ‘focusing on examining the issue of improving Nigeria’s ranking on the Global Network Readiness Index’.
Danbatta who was represented at the forum by the NCC’s Director of Spectrum Administration, Engr. Abraham Oshadami, explained that Nigeria is a telecommunications powerhouse, with 82% of the continent’s telecom subscribers and 29% of the continent’s internet consumption.
According to him, the surge in data utilisation, the proliferation of the Internet of Things (IoT), the advent of artificial intelligence, and the emergence of cutting-edge technologies highlight the urgent need for ongoing network surveillance and expansion.
“To navigate this era of transformation, we must embrace innovation, make strategic investments, and cultivate a growth-friendly ecosystem.
“This platform is our gateway to innovative and disruptive solutions that can positively transform our industry. By engaging in conversations about new technologies, collaborating with global best practices and subject-matter experts, and pooling our insights, we open the door to unimaginable future possibilities.
He however, charge the forum to grasp this opportunity to investigate emerging technologies, envisage their potential applications, and determine how they can be leveraged to solve our specific challenges.
He said, “NRI is a guiding metric that measures the role and impact of Information and Communication Technology (ICT). It explores the performances of 131 economies in four key categories: technology (infrastructure), governance, people, and impact.”
In his introductry remark, Executive Commissioner, Technical Services, NCC, Engr. Ubale Maska, expained that the objective of this forum is to provide standard roadmaps and best practices which can be used to measure the impact of Information & Communications Technology (ICT) on our society and promote the adoption of new technologies.
He said, “We will review the latest findings of Nigeria’s NRI, explore various barriers and key drivers to the implementation of innovative technologies, and ultimately create actionable solutions to help move the industry forward.
He added that, “Nigeria’s Network Readiness Index is a strong indicator of how the country is adapting to the digital transformation that is happening all over the world, and will help us access our progress and position on the global digital train.
“This forum seeks to examine the different barriers and key drivers of emerging technologies as far as the Nigerian telecommunications industry is concerned.
“We intend to explore the challenges that are present, and to discuss solutions to ensure that the country is making the most of the digital transformation”, he said.
The Head New Media and Information Security Department, Engr. Chiding Diugwu, said there has been remarkable development in Nigeria’s ICT infrastructure in recent years, with skyrocketing mobile penetration rates, and internet connectivity expanding drastically.
Diugwu, highlighted the Commission’s commitment to enhance network infrastructure, coupled with the private sector’s contributions has significantly transformed our connectivity landscape.
“It is crucial to note that the NRI is not just about the latest technologies or high-speed internet access. It also includes elements such as affordability, digital skills, and the availability and adoption of digital services in various sectors of the economy,” he said.
