Nigeria Internet subscriptions hits 156 million on January 2023 - Reports

Nigeria's internet subscriptions hit 156 million in January 2023, according to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). 

This is a significant milestone for the country's digital economy and highlights the growing importance of the internet in Nigeria.

The steady growth of internet penetration in Nigeria has been a notable trend over the past decade. From 2000 to 2010, Nigeria's internet penetration rate grew from 0.2% to 24.4%, and by 2020, it had reached 50.2%, according to a report by the Nigerian National Bureau of Statistics.

However, it is the recent increase in internet subscriptions that is particularly noteworthy. The latest data from the NCC shows that the number of internet subscribers in Nigeria grew by 2.2 million in December 2022 to reach 156 million in January 2023. This represents a 1.4% growth in internet subscriptions, bringing Nigeria's internet penetration rate to 81.4%.

Factors responsible for the increase d internet subscriptions

The increase in internet subscriptions can be attributed to several factors. 

•One of the most significant is Nigeria's growing population. Having a population of more than 211 million means there are more people in Nigeria who need access to the internet, and the demand for internet services is consequently higher.

•Another factor driving the increase in internet subscriptions is the expansion of 4G networks across the country. 4G networks provide faster internet speeds, which make it easier for users to access the internet and use online services. The Nigerian government has been working to improve broadband connectivity across the country, and this has resulted in increased investment in the telecoms sector and the deployment of more fiber optic cables.

The availability of affordable smartphones has also contributed to the growth in internet subscriptions. 

•The cost of smartphones has decreased significantly in recent years, making it easier for more Nigerians to own a device and access the internet. According to a report by the GSMA, the global trade body representing mobile network operators, the average cost of a smartphone in Nigeria fell from $216 in 2016 to $95 in 2020.

Current challenges present with internet access in Nigeria

There are still several challenges that need to be addressed to ensure that more Nigerians can access the internet and take advantage of the opportunities it presents. 

~Network quality

One of the most significant challenges is poor network quality. According to a report by OpenSignal, a company that measures mobile network performance, Nigeria has one of the slowest average download speeds in the world. This can be attributed to limited broadband infrastructure and poor network coverage in some areas.

~High data costs

High data costs are also a significant challenge in Nigeria. According to a report by the Alliance for Affordable Internet, the cost of 1GB of mobile data in Nigeria is higher than the UN's recommended affordability target of 2% of monthly income. This means that many Nigerians cannot afford to use the internet regularly or access the services they need.

In conclusion, Nigeria's internet subscriptions hitting 156 million in January 2023 is a positive sign for the country's digital economy, but there is still a lot of work to be done to ensure that more Nigerians can access the internet and take advantage of the opportunities it 

presents.

The Nigerian government and telecoms operators must work together to improve network quality and coverage across the country, particularly in rural areas where internet access is limited. They must also work to address the issue of high data costs and make internet services more affordable for all Nigerians.

At the same time, individuals and businesses must also take steps to ensure they are making the most of the opportunities presented by the internet. This includes investing in digital skills and technology, creating online businesses, and leveraging social media platforms and other digital tools to reach new customers and grow their businesses.

Overall, Nigeria's increasing internet subscriptions represent a significant milestone for the country's digital economy. With the right policies and investments, Nigeria has the potential to become a leader in Africa's digital revolution and create new opportunities for growth, innovation, and prosperity.