The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has announced its commitment to expanding telecommunication services to the 27 million Nigerians currently without access to telecoms. Through the licensing of Mobile Virtual Network Operators and the ongoing rollout of 5G networks nationwide, the NCC aims to bridge this gap and provide connectivity to underserved areas.
According to the commission, the number of Nigerians without access to telecommunication services has decreased by 37.04% to 27 million in 2022. Additionally, the identified clusters across the country without telecom access have decreased to 53.1% by the end of the same year.
During a recent telecoms industry stakeholders forum in Yenagoa, Bayelsa state, Professor Umar Danbatta, the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NCC, highlighted the progress made in reducing access gaps. He revealed that the number of clusters with limited access has dropped from 207 in 2013 to 97 in 2022.
Danbatta emphasized the NCC’s unwavering efforts to bring telecom services to rural and underserved areas. Through infrastructure deployment and consultancy initiatives, the commission has successfully reached 37 million people who previously lacked connectivity. As of 2022, the clusters of access gaps have decreased to 97, and the number of Nigerians without telecom access has decreased from 37 million in 2013 to 27 million.
The NCC’s continuous efforts are expected to improve telecommunications accessibility for millions of Nigerians, promoting digital inclusion and socio-economic development.
