Telecom contributes N2.5tr to GDP, as internet subscribers reach 157m
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
Mobile phone subscriber numbers rose to 223.8 million in April 2023 (M4 2023), after propelling information communication technology (ICT) to contribute N2.508 trillion to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the first quarter (Q1 2023).
Internet subscribers reached 157 million and broadband subscriptions 92 million in M4 2023, according to NCC Public Affairs Director Reuben Muoka.
“Telecoms contribution to GDP was calculated from 46 distinct sectors of the economy, which constitute telecoms and information services baskets,” Mouka explained in a statement.
“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.’’
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Issuance of 5G licences
The NCC noted following the issuance of licences in December 2021, MTN and MAFAB have launched 5G services, and Airtel, which received its licence in December 2022, is set to launch the service in June 2023, per Nairametrics.
Another major development is the launch of Starlinks broadband services – a satellite-based wireless broadband service with potential nationwide coverage – following the issuance of the licence by the NCC to SpaceX owned by Elon Musk.
Muoka said growth statistics of the telecom industry show an impressive record of contributions to the economy, citing the number of phone subscribers in M4 2023 stood at 223.6 million, internet subscribers at 157 million, and broadband subscriptions at 92 million.
GDP grew 3.52 per cent year-on-year (YoY) in real terms in Q4 2022, a rise on 2.25 per cent in Q3 2023 but a decline on 3.98 per cent in Q4 2021.
GDP growth in Q4 2022 was driven mainly by the services sector, which jumped 5.69 per cent and contributed 56.27 per cent to aggregate GDP, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).
Although the agriculture sector grew 2.05 per cent in Q4 2022, its performance was hampered by severe flooding across the country, accounting for less growth relative to Q4 2021 which was 3.58 per cent.
