The Nigerian Communications NCC says the country’s telecoms sector has been growing at 5billion dollars every quarter.
The Director of Consumer Affairs Bureau, Mrs Felicia Onwuegbuchulam stated this at the NCC Day at the 2018 Abuja International Trade Fair in Abuja, Nigeria.
Mrs Onwuegbuchulam explained that the sector has also contributed immensely to the Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product, GDP
“Notably, the investment into telecoms sector as at 2017 used to be 70 billion dollars and this has been growing at about 5billion every quarter. The sector’s contribution to the Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product, GDP, rose to 10.5 per cent as the end of June 2018, up from the initial 9.1 per cent in 2016” she said.
She also noted that the number of voice subscriptions and internet services users has increased.
“At the end of August 2018, there were over 160.8 million active voice subscriptions with over 104 million of these numbers being used to access Internet services. Teledensity, which is the number of telephone lines per 100 person in an area, has hit 115 percent. Indeed, the growth in the telecoms industry engendered by a sound regulatory regime, has remarkably redefined the way people live, work and play,” Onwuegbuchulam said.
The Participation at the Trade Fair offers consumers, as it provides the consumer opportunity to interact one-on-one and exchange ideas with the skilled as a veritable platform to educate consumer on the procedures, processes and development in the telecoms industry.
Unrivalled Opportunities
Speaking at the event the Director General of Abuja Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Mrs Tonia Shoyele said the Abuja International Trade fair offers unrivalled opportunities for business development as well as a platform for all participants to showcase their latest innovations in products and services.
“This is line with the Federal Government vision in diversifying the economy from being a mono economy with total dependence on Oil to other sectors most especially Agribusiness,” she said.
Mrs Shoyele identified Telecommunication as an important tool for businesses noting that “it enables companies to communicate effectively with customers and deliver high standards of customer service. The introduction of smart phones has provided employees new levels of productivity and capability on the move. In fact, Investment in telecommunications infrastructure can not only increase general business efficiency but increase the impact of other infrastructure investments.”
She however commended the NCC for creating an enabling environment for competition among operators in the industry as well as ensuring the provision of qualitative and efficient telecommunications services throughout the country, especially in maintaining transparent regulatory processes as well as protecting consumer rights.
Mrs. Shoyele said the theme of this year’s fair is “Enhancing SMEs in Agribusiness through Innovative Technology”