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Increased Internet Usage In Nigeria Reflects Deepening Reliance On Digital Services – NCC

The latest report from the Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC) showing an upsurge in internet usage has been attributed to the country’s deepening reliance on digital services. 

This was disclosed by the Commission in its latest official data posted on its website which shows an increase in smartphone internet penetration by 38 percent.

According to the report, data consumption grew from 517,670 terabytes in January to 713,200 terabytes in December 2023.

The development is said to have coincided with a rise in internet subscriptions that is estimated to be about 163.84 million and a surge in smartphone usage in the country.

In the last two years, Nigeria has witnessed a noticeable rise in the consumption of digital services with data consumption rising to 518,381.78TB from 353,118.89TB recorded at the end of 2021.

The growth is believed to have sprung from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, consequently leading to a rise in online activities and an increase in the use of smartphones in the country.

According to the International Data Corporation, smartphone sales in Nigeria grew in the fourth quarter of 2023. The data insight firm further confirmed that Nigeria overcame market volatility and a significant currency devaluation to record Africa’s second-highest growth rate.

This position was also corroborated by the former executive vice chairman of the NCC, Umar Danbatta who said in August last year that Nigeria was ranked 11th in internet penetration and seventh in mobile phone usage globally.

Also in 2023, the World Bank revealed that the Nigerian Information and communications technology sector is experiencing steady growth as a result of increased data service consumption by households and businesses and higher subscriber numbers.

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Seun Akin

Seun Johnson is a professional journalist and proficient media strategist with over 10 years of consistent work experience. He is Verse in content creation and versatile in editorial administration with a deep knowledge in digital, print and broadcast journalism.

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