The Nigerian Communications Commission has revealed that Nigeria’s Telecommunications and ICT services contributed N2.508 trillion to Nigeria’s GDP in the first quarter of 2023. The number of mobile phone subscribers in Nigeria has risen to 223.8 million as of April 2023.

He added that the number of Internet subscribers for the same period was 157 million, and broadband subscriptions at 92 million.

This disclosure was made in a statement by NCC Director of Public Affairs, Mr Reuben Muoka on Tuesday. He said:

“Telecoms contribution to GDP was calculated from 46 distinct sectors of the economy, which constitute telecoms and information services baskets.

“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.’’

NCC noted that following the issuance of the licences in December 2021, MTN and MAFAB already launched 5G services, while Airtel, which received its licence in December 2022, is set to launch the service in June.

They unveiled another major development in the sector which was the launch of Starlinks broadband services, a satellite-based wireless broadband service with potential nationwide coverage, citing this followed the issuance of the licence to Elon Musk-owned SpaceX by the NCC, noting that the services were now available in different parts of the country.

He also added that growth statistics of the telecoms industry were showing an impressive record of contributions to the Nigerian economy.