Telecom
Nigeria Overtakes UK in Internet Access –digitXplus Report

Nigeria has scored a big one above United Kingdom (UK) in the latest ranking of global information technology access which said that the country recorded a 200% growth in internet users between 2009 and 2013.
According to statistics released by market research and statistics specialists, digitXplus, the digital Unit of mediareachOMD Nigeria, figures also indicated that Nigeria, which tied at 55 million internet users with United Kingdom in 2012, took 14% leap garnering about 62.4 million internet users above UK with paltry increase of just two million (57 million) users in 2013.
The report quoted Euromonitor as its primary source and analysed digital growth across the world from 2009 – 2013 as follows: Digital users grew across the globe from 1.748 billion to 2.677 billion showing a growth rate of 53% 2009/13.
Of these figures, emerging and developing countries took the lead in the digital users over developed countries growing from 1.011 billion users in 2009 to 1.834 billion users in 2013 as against developed countries growth rate of 737 million users in 2009 to just 843 million users in 2013.
That is a growth of 81% to 14% (2009/13) in favour of emerging and developing countries.
The report further breaks the digital users by region. While it recorded 721 million users to 1.214 billion 68% user growth rate 2009/13 for Asia Pacific region ; it shows steady growth in the Americas with the following figures: 426 million users in 2009 to 573 million users by 2013 representing 34% growth rate in 2009/13.
The report has it that the whole of Europe managed 28% growth in 2009/13 covered by the report.
This represents an increase in number of users in Europe from 436 million in 2009 to 559 million in 2013.
The Middle East and Africa leads the other regions of the world in digital users growth with an encouraging 112% growth rate in 2009/13. In just five years, the region more than double its number of internet users.
The digital users of the region grew from 145 million users in 2009 to 308 million users representing 112% growth rate as against the rest of the world.
More importantly, the sub-Saharan Africa sub-region where Nigeria belongs experienced an astronomical 143% growth moving from a paltry 61 million users in 2009 to 148 million users by 2013.
Between the years covered by the review/report, Nigeria maintained its lead in the growth number of internet users in Africa.
The country moved from 30.9 million users in 2009 to a whopping 62.4 million users in 2013 representing 102% growth rate in 2009/13.
Egypt is second behind Nigeria with 39.7 million users in 2013 moving from its 19.5 million users recorded in 2009.
This represents 103% growth rate in 2009/13 for the politically troubled country.
However, Nigeria’s lead in terms of volume can be said to be due to the country’s increasing awareness and adoption in Digital and not as a result of swelling population.
Whereas, Nigeria experienced just 14% growth margin in the five years under scrutiny, Ethiopia grossed 23%,, Mozambique and Congo 22% each, while Zambia and Kenya experienced 20% and 18% growth margin respectively.
Sahara pearl, Morocco experienced the lowest internet usage growth rate in the continent with just 4% in five years.
According to Mr. Patrick Gomes, managing director of digitXplus, with 62.4 million internet users, Nigeria surely has huge marketing opportunities window waiting to be explored.
The growing number of internet users in the country has increased penetration of the Digital as a medium from 27% in 2011 to 41% in 2013.
What is more, the digitXplus report indicated that based on AMPS (All Media & Product Survey) 2013, reach of internet (which is defined with recency of access, which is one month in case of Internet) registered a 9 point increase over previous year, taking the reach to 27% in 2013.
digitXplus is a digital Unit of mediaReach OMD, the West and Central Africa’s No.1 independent media specialist as per RECMA.
—
Telecom
NCC Wins Global ICT Award for Digital Awareness in Schools

Nigeria, through the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), has won the 2025 World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) prize for its project, the Digital Awareness Programme (DAP), under Category C3, which is on Access to Information and Knowledge.

L–R: Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida, receives the WSIS 2025 Prize (Category C3: Access to Information and Knowledge) from the Secretary-General of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), Doreen Bogdan-Martin, following the selection of the Commission’s Digital Awareness Programme (DAP) as winner of the category.
The DAP, one of hundreds of projects submitted for the WSIS Prizes competition 2025, received the highest number of votes in its category, earning it the top honour. The programme equips secondary schools across the country with Information and Communication Technology (ICT) resources and provide internet connectivity to support teaching, learning, and research. Since inception in 2006, over 300 schools across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones have benefitted from the programme.
The Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, received the award during the WSIS Prizes Winners 2025 Ceremony held on Monday in Geneva, Switzerland.
In his acceptance remarks, Dr. Maida thanked the hosts, the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) and WSIS, for recognising Nigeria’s efforts in promoting inclusive digital access across Nigeria, noting that the award would serve as further motivation for the Commission.
“This recognition is more than a celebration of past efforts—it is an encouragement to press forward. It affirms that investing in digital inclusion is investing in national development, and that Nigeria’s work is being seen and valued on the global stage,” Dr. Maida said.
Four other Nigerian projects—the Women Techsters and the Advanced Digital Empowerment Programme for Tertiary Institutions (ADEPTI) under Capacity Building, the Telecom-Based Research Grant Initiative under Enabling Environment, and the Digital Learning Initiative under e-Learning—were also celebrated for their nomination for the Champions Category of Projects at the WSIS Prizes Ceremony. Although they were not among the top-voted entries, they were acknowledged for their significant merit and impact.
The WSIS Prizes competition recognises and promotes projects that effectively leverage ICTs to advance sustainable development. The competition showcases how technology can serve as a powerful tool for addressing global challenges and achieving the SDGs. Projects from around the world are recognised annually, highlighting diverse approaches to building an inclusive information society.
The World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) is a United Nations (UN) initiative aimed at building a people-centred, inclusive, and development-oriented information society. It provides a multi-stakeholder platform to address issues related to Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) and their role in achieving sustainable development.
The Forum is an annual event that brings together high-level representatives from governments, the private sector, civil society, academia, the technical community, and international organisations. It serves as a global platform for implementing the WSIS Action Lines, which are aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Telecom
No More Excuses: NCC Sets Tough August Deadline to Tackle Telecom Hitches

Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has given telecom tower operators in the country August 2025 deadline to fix persistent network hitches in their facilities or face regulatory sanctions.
The Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) of the commission, Dr. Aminu Maida, reportedly gave the ultimatum during a high-level meeting with key industry players, attended by representatives of IHS Towers, American Tower Corporation (ATC), and Pan-African Towers, and mobile network operators (MNOs) in Abuja
According to sources, discussions at the meeting focused on the recurring challenges in the telecoms sector, particularly power failures, equipment malfunctions, and insufficient site maintenance, that have been causing poor Internet and call services in the country
Specifically, Maida tasked the tower operators on the imperative of complying with the NCC’s updated Quality of Service (QoS) framework, which now extends performance obligations to infrastructure providers, not just telecom service providers.
According to him, the timeline given by the commission is more than enough time for all parties to align with the performance standards expected of them.
Recently, to ensure compliance with the standards, the NCC introduced a Major Incident Reporting Portal for real-time outage disclosures; developed public performance dashboards to enhance transparency; mandated that telecom tower companies meet strict Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
Although the tower operators had previously cited delayed payments from MNOs as a reason for service lapses, the NCC had dismissed the justification, insisting that all parties must meet their obligations.
The EVC maintained: “Operators must fulfill both their technical and financial responsibilities. Poor service delivery—regardless of internal disputes—will attract consequences.”
Available data on the telecom tower infrastructure shows that IHS Towers has the largest assets with 16,000–19,000 sites, (62% market share); compared to American Tower Corp’s (ATC’s) about 8,270 towers; and Pan-African Towers’ 760–1,000 sites nationwide.
The latest NCC’s August deadline is believed to be putting pressures on the tower operators to improve the quality of their facilities for improved services as the commission had hinted of its plan to sanction defaulting operators with fines or stricter regulatory actions.
Industry experts believe that the NCC’s directive is a welcomed development as it will ensure reliable Internet connectivity and improved services quality for telecom consumers in the country.
Telecom
NCC to Chart MVNO Growth Path at Telecom Sustainability Forum 6.0

Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is set to play a pivotal role at the upcoming 6th edition of the Telecom Sector Sustainability Forum (TSSF 6.0), where it will lead a critical discussion on the sustainable growth of Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) in Nigeria.
Set against a backdrop of innovation and opportunity, this forum, organized by Business Remarks, aptly themed “Unlocking Nigeria’s MVNO Potential: Status, Trends, Investment, and Future Prospects,” is scheduled for August 26, 2025. This event reinforces the nation’s commitment to fostering a robust, competitive, and inclusive telecommunications landscape.
The forum will bring together a diverse array of key stakeholders from across the telecom ecosystem to deliberate on strategies for integrating MVNOs effectively into Nigeria’s rapidly evolving digital economy. With the recent advancements in technology and the issuance of 43 MVNO licenses to new players, MVNOs are poised to significantly enhance service delivery, drive digital transformation, penetrate underserved markets, and stimulate healthy competition across the sector.
As the global MVNO market is experiencing significant growth, with projections indicating continued expansion, experts believe that with the right regulatory environment and access to infrastructure, emerging markets like Nigeria can leverage MVNOs to unlock new value for both operators (by utilizing excess network capacity) and customers. Customers can enjoy a rich array of niche value-added services tailored to their needs.
Having been proactive in introducing a five-tier MVNO licensing classification, each with distinct services and a 10-year validity period, signaling a clear path for new entrants, the telecom regulator (NCC) will deliver a keynote address outlining the Commission’s regulatory framework, interventions, and commitment to ensuring a conducive environment for MVNO operations.
Mrs. Bukola Olanrewaju, Convener of the forum and Managing Editor of Business Remarks, emphasized the importance of collaboration. “TSSF 6.0 is designed to be a melting pot of ideas, bringing together Mobile Network Operators (MNOs), MVNOs, telecoms infrastructure providers, Internet Service Providers, industry associations, and technology experts,” she said.
“Our goal is to ignite discussions that will shape the future of MVNOs in Nigeria, ensuring their sustainable growth and their critical role in extending digital prosperity across the nation.”
The forum will feature interactive sessions, thought-provoking panel discussions, insightful paper presentations, and abundant networking opportunities. This event aims to provide a platform for stakeholders to share insights, address challenges, and explore collaborative pathways for sustainable growth.
- Telecom1 day ago
Y’ello Care’s 21-Day Campaign Bridges Digital Divide for Thousands Nationwide
- General News1 day ago
Enugu Air Commences Operations Today
- E-Business1 day ago
Galaxy Backbone, Rural Electrification Agency Commit to Deepening Digital and Energy Access Across Nigeria
- Broadcasting1 day ago
NDPC Slaps Multichoice with ₦766M Fine for Data Privacy Violations
- News1 day ago
Lagos-Calabar Highway Gets $100M Push from ECOWAS to Drive Regional Growth
- Telecom1 day ago
20 Years of Digital Leadership: Layer3’s Legacy and the Road Ahead
- News1 day ago
NBS May Release Rebased Figures for Nigerian Economy July 11
- E-Financial1 hour ago
Ascensia Finance Commences Operations in Abuja