Digital Connectivity: A Catalyst for Nigeria’s Economic Growth and Quality of Life, Says NCC Chairman

Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) Chairman, Prof. Umar Danbatta, highlighted the significance of digital connectivity for citizens’ quality of life during his keynote at the 2022 Africa Tech Alliance Forum. Danbatta, represented by NCC’s Director of Digital Economy, Dr. Augustine Nwulunne, emphasized that digital connectivity drives business, social interactions, and economic well-being. He underscored the role of digital connectivity in advancing development gains and achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Speaking on “Creating a Sustainable Future through Connectivity,” Danbatta cited studies that emphasize digital connectivity’s pivotal role in quality of life. He mentioned the NCC’s commitment to implementing regulatory initiatives that enhance Nigeria’s economic development through improved connectivity.

Danbatta noted that Nigeria’s telecommunications sector has facilitated economic growth, improving service delivery in areas like education, healthcare, transportation, commerce, and financial services. These improvements have contributed significantly to the nation’s GDP and sectoral growth, aligning with SDGs.

The event included the awarding of the “5G Core Leadership Award” to Danbatta and the recognition of the NCC as the “Best Digital Economy Project of the Year 2022.” The latter acknowledged the Commission’s efforts in driving commercial deployment of Fifth Generation (5G) networks in Nigeria.

Danbatta highlighted NCC’s role in creating an enabling environment for a liberalized telecommunications industry. The Commission’s regulatory tools and services have fostered the growth of the sector, resulting in over 210 million active telephone lines and more than 150 million Internet subscribers. Broadband penetration, standing at 45%, has enabled over 80 million broadband subscriptions.

Telecommunications’ impact on Nigeria’s economy is noteworthy, having lifted millions out of poverty and contributing over $70 billion to the GDP. Danbatta linked Nigeria’s GDP growth trajectory to the liberalization of the telecommunications sector, highlighting the rise from $74.03 billion in 2001 to $440.78 billion today.

Danbatta also shared that NCC is driving the implementation of policies like the Nigerian National Broadband Plan (NNBP) 2020-2025 and the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) 2020-2030. Additionally, they’re deploying Fifth Generation (5G) networks and other digital projects to enhance universal service availability and accessibility.